Markets support those living with Alzheimer’s

THE Cooley Charity markets were born from a vision of a need to provide financial support so as care and understanding can be given to those living with Alzheimer’s disease in Cooley and surrounding areas.

The idea was that these precious people would be cared for in their own community, by their own people, in a place where they would feel at ease. In July 2013 that vision became a reality when The Birches opened a new outreach centre in the heart of the village of Grange in Cooley.

The Birches in Rath Abbey was born and has proved to be a wonderful success. Each Monday, qualified staff from The Birches Alzheimer Day Care Centre in Dundalk travel to Cooley. Together with local carers, help and support is given to all who walk through the doors of the Rath Abbey Day Centre. Approximately ten families avail of this fantastic service each week, finding a haven of understanding for their loved one.

Rath Abbey has become a magnet which attracts the best of human kindness. Lots of local volunteers come to share their talents with the clients using the service. Families receive a break, getting a few hours of time to themselves. They can relax in the knowledge that their loved one is receiving top class professional medical care.

The service has now been extended, with The Birches staff out in the local community, calling to homes, spending a few hours with people who have Alzheimer’s disease, giving their carer’s a break.

Funds which are raised from the Cooley Charity Country Markets go directly to finance this service. To date the markets have raised in excess of €50,000 for this worthy cause.

The markets are organised by a group of enthusiastic volunteers. The secret of their sweet success is a very simple concept – they have the backing of an army of loyal supporters who continue to donate items to the market.

Plans are now well underway for the Christmas Market on December 4. Dozens of Christmas cakes and puddings have been made and will mature over the coming weeks. Thanks to the support of many business’s, all of the ingredients were secured free of charge. The organisers of the market are also extremely grateful to the Cooley Kickhams GFC, for allowing the Christmas baking to be done in their top class kitchen facilities.