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Five siblings from Newry & Mourne are preparing to take on the Great North Run in Newcastle upon Tyne on Sunday week, 13 September in memory of their mother, who died in January this year after living with both Parkinson's and dementia.
Coffee Morning Fundraiser
Darren, Shane, Joanne, Rachel and Neil Mullen will take part in the run in aid of Parkinson's UK and Dementia UK and to help raise much needed funds they are hosting a Coffee Morning in Three Ways Community Centre in Newry this Sunday 6 September from 10am to 12pm and all are welcome
Their mother, Anne Mullen, was diagnosed with Parkinson's at the age of 47. She went on to set up a local support group in Newry and Mourne, offering help to others living with the illness and their families over many years.
Anne was later diagnosed with dementia on her 72nd birthday, a second diagnosis which the family described as devastating. Despite this, she continued to put others first, both her family and the friends she made in the nursing home.
The family said she was an absolute joy to be around with the most infectious laugh that would light up a room even on a bad day.
For some of the siblings, the Great North Run marks a return to running after a break, while for others it will be their first time taking part in an organised run. Of course training has not been without its challenges, with injuries, early starts and difficult days along the way, but they have continued preparing in their mother's memory and for others who need support.
The Mullen family are inviting the public to support their fundraising effort through donations to Parkinson's UK and Dementia UK, and to help raise awareness by sharing details of the run. Those who wish to learn more about the work of the two charities can do so through their respective websites.
The family plan to share updates on their training and on the day of the race itself.
You can support their run at parkinsons.org.uk/fundraisers/teammullen
