The community of Tallow is being entertained increasingly by the four candidates in the 2014 Tallow Mayor competition.

Each of the candidates namely, Ann Tobin, Sean Tobin, John Pratt and Michael Kearney are presently organising major activates to promote their various charities in association with Tallow Community Centre. The final night will be held in the community centre hall on 11th October, more news on this at a later date.

Details of the candidates and their charities as follows:

SEAN TOBIN

St Anne’s Alzheimer’s Unit, Dungarvan is my chosen charity. It is a residential care facility in Dungarvan, the only specialised unit for Alzheimer’s and other neuro-cognitive illnesses in Co Waterford. St Anne’s also provides day care and respite care. Residents are cared for and enabled by a team of experienced and highly qualified staff. The focus of care is to retain and maximise abilities and provide meaningful activation. The ethos of care is person centred and individualised. They work with and care for people with other forms of dementia also. There are over 100 types of dementia. In Waterford County there are approx. 1,250 people with a diagnosis of dementia.

Dementia is the umbrella term used to describe various conditions which cause brain cells to die, leading to the progressive deterioration in memory and the ability to carry out everyday activities. There are many different types of dementia but Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia are the most common forms. When a person has Alzheimer’s disease even simple mundane tasks can be difficult. A person’s behaviour can be affected by Alzheimer’s disease in many ways. Symptoms can include hallucinations, wandering, aggression and moodiness.

The number of people diagnosed worldwide is growing rapidly and going forward there will be very few families in Ireland not touched by this illness. Currently there are almost 48,000 people living with dementia in Ireland. The risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease increases with age but can also occur in people in their 40s and 50s. Younger onset Alzheimer’s is increasing and over 6000 people in Ireland have been diagnosed.

There is currently no cure for dementia. But growing scientific evidence indicates that by keeping your brain, your body and your heart healthy you can reduce your risk of developing dementia. All funds raised for St Annes are used to further enhance the lives of our residents. “Though those with Alzheimer’s might forget us, we as a society must remember them”.

ANN TOBIN

In conjunction with fundraising for our local community centre, I have chosen two charities to raise funds for Diabetes Ireland Southern Region and South East Radiotherapy Trust (SERT) as they are both very important organisations and with first-hand experience of living with a diabetic the role of such organisations is paramount in our local community. With 1 in 20 people suffering from Diabetes and 1 in 8 over the age of 60 its effecting all too many. However with new and improved methods such as Insulin pumps people can experience a decent lifestyle even though they are affected by this disease. The Institute of Public Health revised upwards the forecasted number of people with either type 1 or type 2, who are over 20 years of age to 194,000 sufferers in 2015 and 233,000 in 2020. Our awareness needs to be heightened as to the effects of diabetes on our lives. However, funds are always needed to help educate and treat all those effected.

South East Radiotherapy Trust (SERT) was launched in November 2005, to support the provision of Radio Therapy for cancer patients from the South East of Ireland. SERT provides vehicles which are driven by groups of local volunteers form Tallow, Lismore, Dungarvan, to mention but a few. They transport cancer patients who require radiotherapy to the treatment units at UPMC Cancer Centre, Waterford and to Cork University Hospital, Free of Charge. With running costs of travel, vehicle replacement etc increasing SERT are grateful for any fundraising we can do to assist their cause. This gives hope and support to patients at their time of great need so your support is appreciated.

JOHN PRATT

Waterford Comhairle na nÓg represents the voices and views of young people both locally and nationally. The Comhairle is made up of 50 young people between the ages of 12 and 17 from all across Waterford. Members input into decisions and policies that affect their lives. Recent submissions they have made include suggestions on the Déise Greenway and the new Fairlane Park in Dungarvan.

The Comhairle also develops high quality campaigns and projects that tackle social problems such as Cyber Bullying, the stigma associated with Mental Health, negative Body Image and Civic Pride. Waterford Comhairle na nÓg is one of the leading Comhairlí in Ireland and much of their activity is seen as best practice among their counterparts throughout the country.

John Pratt has been involved with the Comhairle for just over two years. John sits on the Comhairle's steering group which helps the Comhairle develop as an organisation. John was also present in Derry in Novemeber 2013 when Waterford Comhairle na nÓg received the All Island Pride of Place Award in the Enterprise and Youth Category.

This coming October will see the Comhairle's largest ever AGM when they welcome 300 young people from across the City and County to discuss the issues most important to them. Check them out on Facebook or at www.waterfordcomhairle.org

MICHAEL KEARNEY

St Carthage’s House, Lismore is the charity I have chosen to support. St Carthage’s is a single store building which was built in 1990. The centre provides residential accommodation for 50 older adults who require minimal assistance. The house serves the community of Lismore and the surrounding areas. The building is set in a large landscaped garden just outside the town of Lismore.

St Carthages focus is to provide a home away from home in a safe caring and friendly environment for those who no longer feel secure or able to manage on their own. The home is run entirely by a voluntary board and is highly dependent on local contributions.

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