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Brea Friel from Newry has raised £5,665 for Alzheimer's Research UK - Northern Ireland after hosting a Classic Golf Day at Tandragee Golf Club last month. Brea was inspired to fundraise having seen firsthand the impact dementia had on her mother and other family members.
It is estimated that one million people in the UK, including 22,000 in the north, currently face the impact of dementia on their memories, families and independence. If nothing changes, one in two people will be affected by dementia in their lifetime, either by developing the condition, caring for someone with dementia, or both.
By fundraising, Brea felt she was not only honouring the memory of her mother but also helping to fund research aimed at improving treatments, increasing understanding of the disease, and ultimately finding a cure. She said: "I chose to raise funds for dementia research because I hope that, through continued research and progress, fewer families will have to face the challenges and heartbreak that dementia brought to ours. Wouldn't it be amazing to be part of the generation that helps find a cure for dementia?"
She added: "I never imagined that we would raise such an incredible amount, so I am truly grateful to everyone who supported my Golf Classic at Tandragee Golf Club. The generosity, kindness, and support I received was overwhelming and I am deeply grateful for every contribution."
Hazel Stirling, Senior Relationship Fundraising Officer for Northern Ireland at Alzheimer's Research UK - NI, said: "We are incredibly grateful to Brea and the local golfing community for their generosity."
She continued: "Research is bringing real hope. Last year we tested 139 drugs, which was a 9% increase from the previous year. This is hugely promising because the more drugs that scientists test, the greater the chance that new and effective medicines will soon become a reality for people living with dementia."
Hazel added that the charity had funded the research which led to the identification of the TREM2 Alzheimer's risk gene, a breakthrough that subsequently paved the way for the development of 22 new dementia drugs targeting the immune system. She said: "But there is still so much more to do. Our breakthroughs are only possible with the commitment of our fantastic supporters such as Brea."
