This article is from page 32 of the 2010-02-02 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 32 JPG
WHAT better way to spend Valen- tine’s Day than amidst the breath- taking scenery of north Clare. More than 500 people are expected to turn out for the annual sponsored 10k walk organised by the Clare Branch of the Alzheimer Society of Ireland, which takes place in Fanore on Feb- ruary 14.
The annual walk, which usually happens on the first Sunday of the new year, was postponed this year because of the poor weather condi- tions but organisers are confident that a large crowd will still come along and show its support.
Now in its eighth year, the walk has become a charity institution in the north Clare area.
Sponsorship cards are still available locally or from the Alzheimer Socie- ty office in Ennis, but people are also encouraged to come along on the day and donate what they can.
“We have had great support from people in Clare, Galway and Lim- erick and all over getting behind the walk for the last eight years and it’s been a pleasure to do it.
“It’s a very nice walk. It goes from the main road to the green road and then it goes to the grass green road up in Fanore. There is a lovely view out over the sea and over all the Burren,”
said co-organiser, Gerry Howard.
““Tt’s a nice relaxed walk. We have a great celebration on the day with traditional music, dancing and sing- ing in O’Donoghue’s Pub after the walk. We have a great evening after ro
AS in previous years, all proceeds from the walk will go to improve and extend both daycare, homecare and respite services for the Clare branch of the Alzheimer Society.
‘There are very few families who haven’t had some sort of brush with it – either Dementia or Alzheimer’s. When you are organising something like this, you are very much pushing an open door with people. Anyone
who has had experience of it is al- ways great when it comes to pitching in,’ continued Gerry.
“Every bob we make goes into the services in County Clare – there isn’t anything at all spent on administra- tion or anything like that.”
This year’s walk will take place from 12.30pm on Sunday, Feb- ruary 14, starting and _ finishing O’Donoghue’s Pub in Fanore.
Sponsorship cards are still availa- ble from the Alzheimer Society local office at Unit 17 Clonroad Business Park, Ennis on 065 6868621.
Cards are also available locally from Gerard Howard and Brendan Cusack.