Limerick duo complete source-to-sea River Shannon paddle in aid of  Parkinson’s Ireland Midwest

Limerick duo complete source-to-sea River Shannon paddle for Parkinson’s Ireland Midwest

Limerick’s Trevor Morrissey and Mike O’Sullivan completed their paddle fundraiser for Parkinson’s Ireland Midwest, raising more than €7,000 to date

Limerick’s Trevor Morrissey from Dooradoyle, along with his friend Mike O’Sullivan from Quin, have completed a 10-day source-to-sea paddle challenge on the River Shannon, all in support of Parkinson’s Ireland Midwest.

The pair took on the 10-day challenge, making stops along Ireland’s longest river starting from its source in County Cavan, making their way to the sea while camping along the route. The fundraiser was organised to honour Trevor’s mother, whom he cares for and who is living with Parkinson’s. Speaking ahead of the challenge, Trevor said he would be thinking of his mother and others throughout the 10 days.

He said, ” I will be thinking of my mom and the many people I know fighting this condition. They face a daily battle with immense courage, truly taking life one day at a time.”

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The challenge has raised more than €7,000 to date, with donations still coming in along with messages of support and congratulations. The funds raised will help Parkin’s Ireland Midwest to continue providing the vital services they offer for people living with Parkinson’s.

Una Anderson Ryan, Parkinson’s Ireland Midwest PRO, told I Love Limerick, “One good thing that Trevor and Mike found along the way, when they went to a restaurant or a little cafe, they would highlight what they’re doing and spread the word about Parkinson’s. That’s really one of the great things about an event like this. It does raise awareness. 

“They were amazed that people didn’t even know that we had an association either in Limerick or even nationally, so a good positive word went out.” 

When Trevor completed his challenge, Una said there was a large group to welcome them home, and stepping out of the boat with “sea legs”, Trevor went first to his mother to embrace her and his son in what was a touching moment.

The funds raised will play a vital role in keeping Parkinson’s Ireland Midwest services open, with Una explaining the group offers a number of community services to people living with Parkinson’s and their support groups.

“We provide exercise classes, vocal exercises, along with movement to music and hydrotherapy, and we give all of these to the patients free. The funds raised are to maintain that, so that we can continue to offer it to every patient and their families can all take part, but it’s mainly for the people with Parkinson’s.”

She explained how fundraisers play an important role in advocacy, saying, “ We have found people didn’t know where to turn. They didn’t understand their symptoms. They come to us, or they hear it through events like this and other events, and then they learn when we give them the information; the information is most important. We have an information session on the second Tuesday of every month, and we bring guest speakers to talk about various aspects of Parkinson’s and the symptoms. People learn about them, and they understand their condition far better.”

Another important aspect of the service is the support network it creates. Una explained that many people will learn from each other, share tips and make recommendations.

She said, “ So every patient that comes to a class usually has somebody with them. And when the activity is finished, they stop for a cup of tea, and this cup of tea is one of the best things. It’s socially stimulating, that’s number one. Second of all, they learn from each other. You might come along, and you’d say, ‘Look, my tremor is not so bad because I did whatever it might be’. And then I might say, ‘Oh, do you know, I was walking a certain way, and this helped me much better,’ you know, learning from each other.”

Una took the time to highlight the work of local advocates and supporters, including Mayor John Moran, who recently donated all proceeds from his Mayor’s Dinner to the charity, raising more than €20,000 in memory of his own father, who had Parkinson’s and passed away 10 years ago.

Parkinson’s Ireland was founded in 1987 and has a range of national and local services throughout the country. These services include their freephone Parkinson’s nurse helpline, online classes and local in-person exercise classes and support groups.

You can donate to Trevor’s Parkinson Ireland Midwest Branch fundraiser on iDonate HERE.