Strive For Five
Donation protected
Strive For Five
My Dad had been displaying some signs of the earlier stages of dementia over the previous years, but in 2019 it became all too apparent. A man who had made a career and provided for us all as a courier, creating his own freight empire of staff, trucks, vans, bikes and nationwide deliveries now had his drivers’ licence revoked. Losing the ability to drive not only limited Dad's opportunities, but changed his identity and sense of belonging and importance. On top of this memory issues were becoming more and more frequent. A conversation on Monday would have to be repeated on Tuesday. Dad’s independence was taken, and he now has to rely more and more on my Mom and the rest of the family every day.
There are numerous forms of dementia and many sufferers show different signs and characteristics. Some of the more common symptoms include memory loss, behavioural changes, loss of interest or motivation to do anything, aggression, confusion and many, many more. Dementia tends to rob someone of their day to day lives, and memories.
Dementia is an illness that affects everyone connected to the person suffering. My Mom especially has seen her whole life change. She has gone from a wife to a carer, cleaner, cook & chauffeur. If you know someone suffering, you will understand when I say the whole dynamic of your relationship with them changes. Even though they might be sat next to you, you are already grieving the loss of that loved one, and the understanding and connection you once had with them.
As dementia sets in, a sufferer’s life tends close in around them. As someone’s support circle and lifestyle become narrower, so too does their ability to stimulate the brain and the body, and slow any progression of the illness. It is impossible to reverse the illness, it can only be slowed and maintained to ensure quality of life does not deteriorate significantly. The work of the Alzheimer’s Society of Ireland to provide support and care, both to sufferers and to affected family members is imperative to ensure some form of normalcy. They provide social clubs, The Alzheimer’s Cafe, home care, respite care and much more. The A.S.I undertakes research projects and continuously updates the advice and support provided to sufferers and carers alike. Without this, the future becomes a very dark and lonely place for all of those involved.
This year as I celebrate 5 years in business, owning and operating Coach’s Fitness Centre, I take on my biggest challenge yet... the #StriveForFive
From a near broken neck and broken will, being unable to train for over three and a half years, this year I will attempt to complete 5 road races, each increasing in distance and finishing with a Marathon. Plus climb 5 mountains, the highest peaks North & South of the border, as well as in England, Wales & finishing with the highest in Scotland – Ben Nevis. I invite you all to lace up your runners, or hiking boots and join me at any point throughout this year as I #StriveForFive
I’m hoping to raise money, but also awareness for the great work carried out by all those involved in the Alzheimer’s Society of Ireland, and throughout the medical community. Their vision is an Ireland where people on the journey of dementia are valued and supported. The Alzheimer Society of Ireland works across the country in the heart of local communities providing dementia specific services and supports and advocating for the rights and needs of all people living with dementia and their carers. Growing old is never easy. Losing your identity & independence is never easy. Combine them all with struggling to remember and understand your everyday life must be nothing short of torturous. So let us #RememberThoseWhoCannot and help them to live out their lives with the dignity, respect, support and freedom they deserve!
Thanks,
Coach
#StriveForFive
#RememberThoseWhoCannot
My Dad had been displaying some signs of the earlier stages of dementia over the previous years, but in 2019 it became all too apparent. A man who had made a career and provided for us all as a courier, creating his own freight empire of staff, trucks, vans, bikes and nationwide deliveries now had his drivers’ licence revoked. Losing the ability to drive not only limited Dad's opportunities, but changed his identity and sense of belonging and importance. On top of this memory issues were becoming more and more frequent. A conversation on Monday would have to be repeated on Tuesday. Dad’s independence was taken, and he now has to rely more and more on my Mom and the rest of the family every day.
There are numerous forms of dementia and many sufferers show different signs and characteristics. Some of the more common symptoms include memory loss, behavioural changes, loss of interest or motivation to do anything, aggression, confusion and many, many more. Dementia tends to rob someone of their day to day lives, and memories.
Dementia is an illness that affects everyone connected to the person suffering. My Mom especially has seen her whole life change. She has gone from a wife to a carer, cleaner, cook & chauffeur. If you know someone suffering, you will understand when I say the whole dynamic of your relationship with them changes. Even though they might be sat next to you, you are already grieving the loss of that loved one, and the understanding and connection you once had with them.
As dementia sets in, a sufferer’s life tends close in around them. As someone’s support circle and lifestyle become narrower, so too does their ability to stimulate the brain and the body, and slow any progression of the illness. It is impossible to reverse the illness, it can only be slowed and maintained to ensure quality of life does not deteriorate significantly. The work of the Alzheimer’s Society of Ireland to provide support and care, both to sufferers and to affected family members is imperative to ensure some form of normalcy. They provide social clubs, The Alzheimer’s Cafe, home care, respite care and much more. The A.S.I undertakes research projects and continuously updates the advice and support provided to sufferers and carers alike. Without this, the future becomes a very dark and lonely place for all of those involved.
This year as I celebrate 5 years in business, owning and operating Coach’s Fitness Centre, I take on my biggest challenge yet... the #StriveForFive
From a near broken neck and broken will, being unable to train for over three and a half years, this year I will attempt to complete 5 road races, each increasing in distance and finishing with a Marathon. Plus climb 5 mountains, the highest peaks North & South of the border, as well as in England, Wales & finishing with the highest in Scotland – Ben Nevis. I invite you all to lace up your runners, or hiking boots and join me at any point throughout this year as I #StriveForFive
I’m hoping to raise money, but also awareness for the great work carried out by all those involved in the Alzheimer’s Society of Ireland, and throughout the medical community. Their vision is an Ireland where people on the journey of dementia are valued and supported. The Alzheimer Society of Ireland works across the country in the heart of local communities providing dementia specific services and supports and advocating for the rights and needs of all people living with dementia and their carers. Growing old is never easy. Losing your identity & independence is never easy. Combine them all with struggling to remember and understand your everyday life must be nothing short of torturous. So let us #RememberThoseWhoCannot and help them to live out their lives with the dignity, respect, support and freedom they deserve!
Thanks,
Coach
#StriveForFive
#RememberThoseWhoCannot
Organizer and beneficiary
Conor Cunningham
Organizer
The Alzheimer Society of Ireland
Beneficiary
