Only one week left for Mayo residents to get their Alzheimer’s Tea Day 2023 pack

With only two weeks left until Alzheimer's Tea Day 2023, preparations are in full swing to raise awareness and funds for dementia support services.

Alzheimer's Tea Day is an annual event held on the first Thursday in May that brings people together over a cup of tea to raise funds and awareness for dementia, which affects over 64,000 people in Ireland. The campaign is the Alzheimer Society of Ireland's (the ASI) biggest fundraising event of the year.

Traditional Tea Day events in the past have raised €500,000 and the ASI hopes to continue rebuilding it, with the aim of raising €300,000 this year alone.

The ASI fundraising team is working to ensure that all Tea Day participants get their packs in time for Thursday, May 4. They’ve also invited some of their advocates from the Irish Dementia Working Group (IDWG)/Dementia Carers Campaign Network (DCCN) to see how the packs are created and distributed.

However, those who receive them after May 4 can still host a Tea Day at a later date.

Paddy Crosbie cared for his husband Derek Simpson, who had Young-Onset Dementia (YOD). Derek sadly passed away in 2021. A member of the Dementia Carers Campaign Network, Paddy said: “Derek and I would have been utterly lost without the services the Alzheimer Society of Ireland provides. Their support made such a difference to our lives and helped Derek to retain a sense of independence, which was so important to him. Alzheimer’s Tea Day helps to maintain these vital services. I urge everyone to sign up for a pack and support Tea Day on May 4.”

Tony McIntyre cares for his wife Mary, who has Alzheimer’s Disease. Tony, a member of The Dementia Carers Campaign Network, said: “It’s great to see what goes on behind the scenes in the lead up to Tea Day. The team at The Alzheimer Society of Ireland put so much effort into creating these packs so that people can host Tea Days and raise much-needed funds to help people like my family and me.

“The supports the ASI provides are invaluable to people living with dementia in communities across Ireland.”

Mairead Dillon, head of fundraising at the ASI, commented: “My team is hard at work at getting the packs ready for our participants. We truly appreciate everyone who has registered so far. Time is ticking for people to get their packs before May 4, and I’d strongly encourage people to register for their free packs by noon on April 28.”

TV stars and ambassadors Bryan Murray and Una Crawford-O’Brien joined the Tea Day campaign this year. Bryan and Una have lived experience of Alzheimer’s Disease; Bryan was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease over three years ago and they’re calling on everyone to join in and help make a difference.

People can host tea parties, sell tea and cakes, or simply make a donation. Funds raised will support vital services such as the ASI’s National Helpline, dementia advisers, family carer training, and care and support groups.

There are an estimated 2,279 people living with dementia in Mayo, and the number of people living with dementia is expected to double by 2050. That's why events like Alzheimer's Tea Day are so important to help raise funds and awareness and support people affected by this disease.

For more information on how to get involved or make a donation, visit teaday.ie.