A Donegal woman hopes the Marble Hill New’s Day swim will put the North West Branch of the Parkinson’s Ireland charity on the map.
The little-known organisation has been confirmed by Doe Amateur Swimming Club as the beneficiary of the 2025 event.
The person who put Parkinson’s Ireland’s name forward is Dunfanaghy woman, Bernice Alcorn (58).
Bernice (main pic), who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in her early 50s, sang the praises of the North West branch of the charity which holds activities for members in Donegal and Sligo.
“I feel we are a forgotten charity and don’t get a lot of funding or publicity,” she told Donegal Daily.
“The Marble Hill New’s Day swim is a wonderful fun event. I asked the Doe Amatueur Swimming Club if we could be the funding group this year and, thankfully, they said yes. “All the money collected on the day will go towards Parkinson’s Ireland North West Branch.”
Bernice, along with friend Judith McKinley, have also set up a GoFundMe page for those who cannot make the New Year’s Day swim to make a donation.
You can also donate via the following link: https://gofund.me/48cf1692
A large number of people in Donegal, Bernice added, live with Parkinson’s Disease and she hopes the swim will give them strength and shine a light on the condition.
“I went to the doctor with a sore foot, then I was sent for tests for Parkinsons and I was diagnosed in my early 50s,” she said.
“I also have a friend in her 40s who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s. It’s no longer an older person’s disease.”
Bernice also praised the No Barriers Foundation who provide therapy sessions for Parkinsons sufferers through the North West Branch.
The branch holds activities and information events for members in Donegal and Sligo.
Bernice hopes the New Year’s Day swim will raise awareness of the fact that an estimated 18,000 people in Ireland have Parkinson’s and that it’s the fastest growing neurological condition.
For up to date details of the swim, keep an eye on the Doe Amateur Swimming Club Facebook page.
To find out more about the North West Branch, please visit www.parkinsons.ie or call 1800 359359.
