Fundraising

John Joyce, Auctioneer & Adventurer!

Tuam Auctioneer, John Joyce, is a man who has always liked a challenge, and is a man with a very adventurous spirit.

In 2004, John was part of  the Irish Everest Exhibition Team, comprising of team leader, Pat Falvey and Claire O Leary, who was in fact the first lady to reach the summit of Everest. Unfortunately, on that fateful expedition, John Joyce, suffering from mountain sickness, had to be transported from the mountain, at 23,500 feet, agonisingly close to the summit. He subsequently spent two weeks in hospital before flying home to recuperate after his ordeal, which might deter a lesser individual, but not this man! John has climbed mountains, in, Africa, Eastern Europe,  North, and, South America, and in the Far East, in addition to climbing many of our mountains, here in Ireland, and he has also walked the routes of many of our old Railway Lines, now, sadly, not in use any more.

During 2008, John has two particular projects in mind, one is to cross Ireland, from East to West, from Wicklow Head to Slyne Head, and the second one, is, to climb Mt Blanc, a mountain on the French / Italian border. The walk from the East to the West of Ireland is being done to raise substantial funds, for Western Alzheimers and their new Home at Merlin Park Galway, for which planning permission has just been approved. It is John’s intention to commence this walk sometime around June 20th , and he hopes to arrive at Slyne Head, approximately 7 days later!

Western Alzheimers, are very grateful to John for his commitment, and generosity of spirit, in taking on this major challenge, and at the same time, raise some much needed funds for their Merlin Park project. In Christmas 2006, John, and his good friend, Paul Coady, walked from Tuam to Clifden, to raise funds for  Western Alzheimers, and at that time, John saw at first hand, the great swell of support, that is out there for the foundation, and he is acutely aware of the wide range of services being offered, to the many Carers, and Alzheimer sufferers, throughout, Galway, Roscommon, and Mayo.

The formal launch of John Joyce’s across Ireland walk took place on Tuesday May 13th in the Clayton Hotel and there was a great turn out of John’s friends and supporters who will be helping in his fundraising efforts.  Already, John has received pledges of financial support from a number of businesses and individuals, and John also stressed that people are welcome to join him at any stage along the route among the speakers at the recent launch were, Mayor of Co. Galway, Sean Canny, Ollie Turner, Galway Bay FM and John Joyce himself.

John paid tribute to his “Back Up” team which will accompany him on his arduous journey, comprising of Paul Coady, John Heverin, Tom O’Donoghue, Brendan Quirke and Seamus Walsh. On behalf of Western Alzheimers, Noel Higgins extended a sincere thanks to John, on his major undertaking and indeed to all who will support him in his efforts to raise substantial monies for their new home at Merlin Park. 

Ultimately, the main beneficiaries, will be, the carers, families and Alzheimer sufferers, throughout , Galway, Mayo & Roscommon. Sincere thanks is extended to John, and indeed, all those who will support him  in this venture, which, hopefully, will raise a substantial sum of money, for Western Alzheimers, which will enable them to continue, SHARING THE CARE, with the Carers, Families, and, Alzheimer sufferers in our Communities.  

For more information please contact Noel Higgins 087 127 2858    

Book Launch in aid of Western Alzheimers

Limerick native, Michael Reen, now living in Galway City recently launched a book, of poems, essays and short stories, entitled “Times & Themes”. This is a really lovely book and would be an ideal Christmas present, retailing at only €15.

Michael has most generously decided to donate the total proceeds from sales of his book to Western Alzheimers. The official launch of the book took place recently in Flannerys Hotel, Galway and the guest of honour was Deputy Mayor Brian Walsh. The book is now on sale in the following locations in and around Galway
Duggans & Molloys in Renmore
Easons, Shop Street, Galway
Charlie Byrnes,
Galway Cathedral Book Shop
The parish office, Mervue
News N Choose, Loughrea
Easons, Ballinasloe
Easons, Tuam.

The book can also be purchased through our won office at Eglinton Street, Galway Ph:091 565 193. We would like to say a sincere “Thanks” to Michael for his generosity of spirit and a special word of gratitude is also extended to John Curley, Curley Quality Foods, for his sponsorship of the total costs of this publication. By purchasing this book, you are “Sharing the Care” in a very meaningful way, with the many carers throughout Galway City & County, who are looking after a loved one suffering from Alzheimer’s disease.