Brea’s Golf Classic raises over £5,600 for Alzheimer’s Research
Brea Friel from Newry, raised a whopping £5,665 by hosting a Golf Classic Day in aid of Alzheimer’s Research UK – Northern Ireland at Tandragee Golf Club last month.
At this very moment it’s estimated that one million people in the UK, including 22,000 in NI currently face the devastating impact of dementia on their memories, families and independence.
If nothing changes, one in two of us will be affected by dementia in our lifetime, either by developing the condition, caring for someone with dementia, or both.
Brea was inspired to fundraise for Alzheimer's Research UK - NI having seen firsthand the impact that dementia had on her mother and other family members. By fundraising, she felt that she was not only honouring the memory of her mum but also helping to fund vital research that aims to improve treatments, increase understanding of the disease, and ultimately find a cure.
Brea 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?
“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 NI at Alzheimer’s Research UK – NI said, “We are incredibly grateful to Brea and the local golfing community for their generosity.
“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.
“We funded the recent significant breakthrough which led to the identification of the TREM2 Alzheimer’s risk gene, which subsequently paved the way for the development of 22 new dementia drugs targeting the immune system. But there is still so much more to do. Our breakthroughs are only possible with the commitment of our fantastic supporters such as Brea.”