Kind-hearted Meghánn embarks on fundraising challenge

WITH the orange skies of sun rise decorating the horizons, and the crisp bite of winter winds at her back, Meghánn Ward will be running right up until Christmas Eve to help raise money for those affected by dementia.

The kind-hearted Omagh musician, who is currently living in Lancashire while she studies her doctoral PhD at Lancaster University, is aiming to run at least 75 miles before December 24 in aid of the Alzheimer’s Society.

The tough ‘Run for Dementia’ challenge also sees Megánn undergoing rigorous yoga, strength-training and biking routines between hitting the rural roads – something which is no mean feat for the 26-year-old, who is completely new to running!

“I have decided to take part in this run in the hopes of bringing more care and support to the families affected by dementia,” Meghánn described.

“As a musician, I’ve always felt strongly that music and other creative arts activities have a big role to play in our health and well-being, and I’ve been lucky to be able to research the benefits of a community-based creative group in England, designed for people with dementia and their families.

“Creative activities have many cognitive and social benefits, but I’ve been particularly struck by how they improve communication and relationships, by taking pressure off of memory and giving people something to focus on and interact with ‘in the present moment’.

“So running is my way of feeling close to all the people with dementia and their families in my research, as I can’t see them in person anymore.”

Meghánn is now running five days per week, and has set herself a fundraising goal of £100.

“Living next to the Fylde coast, I’m able to run along a lovely promenade which is five minutes from my house,” she detailed. “And while it has some amazing sunrises with gaggles of geese flying overhead, my wish is to come home to be with my family this Christmas, so my last few runs will hopefully be along my local Beragh roads!”

Meghánn concluded by expressing her heartfelt thanks to everyone who has donated so far.

• To help Meghánn raise money for the Alzheimer’s Society, please visit her JustGiving page: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/runfordementiameghanncward

Many thanks,