A Derry woman has conquered an epic fundraising challenge of completing 79 walks in memory of her mother who passed away two years ago, aged 79.
Marie Ward’s mum Elizabeth Diamond, known to her friends as Bertha, was a loving wife and mother and looked after her grandchildren for many years.
Marie, who retired as Assistant Director of Human Resources in the Western Health and Social Care Trust last year, set herself a fundraising target of £3,000 for Alzheimer’s Society by the second anniversary of her mum’s passing on Friday 25 February.
Read more: Belfast appeal for donations for Ukraine refugees
But she has now raised more than triple that amount, with her fundraising total now sitting at over £11,000.
Her 79 seven-mile walks across the city’s Foyle and Craigavon Bridges saw her cover a distance of over 550 miles.
The challenge took six months and saw Marie complete a walk an average of three times a week.
“I decided to do 79 walks for Dementia because that was the age my mum was when she died, so it was one walk for each year of her life," Marie said.
“It was great to complete walk 79 with such a fantastic bunch of people. Thank you so much to every single one of them and for their very generous donations and kind words.
“I’d also like to say a huge thank you to my friends and my amazing family for looking after me and supporting me through this challenge."
She added: “For listening to me moaning when I came home soaked or sore and for all their pep talks and words of encouragement.”
Marie was joined by 79 different people for her walk, many of whom have a personal link to dementia. Each walk was then documented on her ’79 Walks for Dementia’ Facebook page, which she used to raise awareness of the condition.
Many of those who had completed a walk with Marie joined her for Friday’s final outing which started and ended at Ebrington Square.
It was a bitter-sweet day for Marie as it also marked the second anniversary of her mum’s death.
Bernadine McCrory, Alzheimer’s Society Northern Ireland Country Director paid tribute to Marie.
“I want to offer a huge congratulations to Marie on completing her challenge of ’79 Walk for Dementia," she said.
“It was a very big undertaking and I am full of admiration after seeing her head out in rain, hail or shine to walk with her friends and family.
“By speaking about dementia on each walk and sharing her journey on her Facebook page she has done so much to raise awareness, during what has been a very difficult time for people living with the condition.
“Marie set herself this challenge in memory of her mum who Elizabeth, who would no doubt be incredibly proud of her amazing achievement.
“To learn that she has now raised over £11,000 is just awe-inspiring. This money will all be spent here in Northern Ireland to provide information and support, improve care and create lasting change for people affected by dementia."
Read more: Michelle O'Neill says Russian diplomats should be kicked out over Ukraine
Read more: NI theatre cancels visit from Russian ballet company
Sign up to our FREE newsletter here for all the latest news in Derry straight to your inbox.
