Stamullen siblings’ 100-mile challenge for Parkinson's Association of Ireland and to honour beloved mum
A STAMULLEN woman and her family have undertaken a 100 mile challenge this month to raise funds for the Parkinson's Association of Ireland.
Nessa Hutcheson and her siblings will reach run 100 miles this month to raise funds for the charity, in honour of their beloved mother who has bravely battle the disease for over a decade.
"My sister Gillian Dowling, my brother, Cian Darby and I are each completing 100 miles this month. Our mother Cindy has bravely battled this disease for the last number of years and we would like to give back to a charity that not only supports those suffering with Parkinson's but their families and carers also," says Nessa.
Cindy Darby from the Naul is suffering from Parkinson's for the past ten years and also has dementia.
"She is no longer mobile and had to move into a nursing home last week.
"We got this negative news and decided to channel our energies into something positive by raising funds for Parkinson's Ireland.
"We will each do 100 miles. I will be doing it around my home in the Stamullen area, Gillian in Donabate where she lives and Cian in Swords.
"The three of us will all do the final 5k together with out local football club in the Naul, Clann Mhuire. The club will be hosting the last 5k on the track at their grounds on Sunday 29th January."
"We would like to invite family, friends, neighbours, club members and all within the community to come join us to walk the final 5k of the challenge at Clann Mhuire at 1pm that day."
There will be tea/coffee and a raffle in aid of Naul Meals on Wheels in the club house after the 5k is complete. "We thought initially it would just be a small fund-raiser, but we have got so much support from our families, friends, neighbours and local communities," Nessa says.
The siblings are all fairly fit - Nessa has competed two marathons, Cian is a footballer with Clann Mhuire and Gillian, like her brother and sister, is a member of a gym. Nessa is a member of the Star of the Sea Athletics Cub in Julianstown.
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder, which primarily affects movement. It is variable in its progression, some people progress more slowly than others, and the symptoms can be effectively controlled with medication for many years.
It is the second most common neurodegenerative condition after Alzheimer’s with an estimated 12,000 people living with Parkinson’s in Ireland.
The Parkinson’s Association of Ireland is based in Dublin with branches throughout the country. It assists people with Parkinson’s, their families and carers, health professionals and other interested people by offering support, a listening ear and information on any aspect of living with Parkinson’s. They currently receive no funding from the Irish state.