St Mary’s Diocesan School students and staff have a long and proud history of supporting people affected by Dementia whose voices are often drowned out in the hubbub of modern day life.
Over the years they have organised all manner of events to raise funds and awareness of the condition that affects one of the most vulnerable groups in society.
The boys have done head shaves, non-uniform days, a dogs for dementia campaign, in 2018 they organised a very successful “Music and Memory” initiative to help elders living with Dementia and Alzheimer’s to recall forgotten memories.
Over the last few weeks, since they returned to school, a group of eight “Dementia Peer Ed” TY students have been visiting first year classes to educate them on Alzheimer’s and Dementia and create awareness.
During their CSPE classes the Transition Year students were struck by how many first years raised their hand when asked if they knew somebody affected by Dementia or Alzheimer’s, so they decided to take action.
After speaking to CSPE teacher Mr Dunne, the lads organised for all first year students to do a sponsored silence on Friday 14th May in aid of the Alzheimer’s Society of Ireland.
All the first year students were given a sponsorship card and between them they raised a total of €2787.
Yesterday (Wednesday 19th May) two of the TY Dementia Peer Ed Ambassadors and a selection of first years presented a cheque to Ann Shortt and Noel Heeney for The Drogheda Branch of The Alzheimer Society of Ireland.
