Longford woman raising funds in memory of her late father

Catriona Norris, daughter of the late Padraig Kenny, Moydow, is taking part in the Women’s VHI Mini Marathon on Sunday, June 4 to raise funds for the Parkinson's Association of Ireland.

Catriona, who lives in Kildare, has set up a gofundme page entitled ‘Let’s try find a cure for Parkinson’s’ and she is appealing for support.
In this article, Catriona tells us about her late Dad and her reasons for taking part in the mini marathon.

“I sit and think about what I should write. The truth is there are no words that will justify what a wonderful man / brother / husband / Dad he was. He had the kindest soul, he could never say no to anyone and could never do enough for people. He never had a bad word to say about anyone.
“Possibly the hardest working person I knew. He loved a laugh and would often be seen sitting in his chair by the fire in the kitchen, having a right little giggle to himself. His favourite drink was vodka and white.

“He loved a steak on a Sunday. He had a sweet tooth. You would be sure to find a fruit and nut bar or a choc ice wrapper in the jeep or tractor!
“Farming and contracting were his bible. If it’s not blue it won’t do! New Holland tractors were his favourite, every time I see one now I have a tear in my eye.

“Sadly, in his later years the Dad we knew and loved began deteriorating and Parkinson’s sadly got a thorough hold of him.
“We find it hard to comprehend the way this disease moved so rapidly and affected every area of his brain.
“No medication could benefit or improve the situation. From being such a hard working happy family man, he sadly didn't even know his own family sometimes.

“This is by far one of the cruellest side effects of the disease. It steals people from you before their time. Word of advice from my family to yours, would be to highlight the importance of seeking medical review or guidance if you notice, feel or see something wrong.
“Dad had a tremor in his hand for some time but as a typical Irish farmer did not want to worry or bother anyone.”

The main symptoms of Parkinson's are tremor, rigidity and slowness of movement. Parkinson’s affects one person in every 500. The cause for Parkinson’s is currently unknown, and identified genetic causes are present in only a small minority of people (approximately 5%).
“This is one of the main reasons why I am committed to raising money for scientific research in the hope that one day there will be a cure for this disease.

“I will be taking part in the Women’s mini marathon in Dublin on Sunday, June 4 with my friends in memory of my Dad and to raise awareness for others.

“A big thank you to everyone who has already donated. I am blown away by the support and money I have already raised.”

Anyone else that would like to donate. Please see donation link: https://gofund.me/104a1c2a
“Thank you for taking the time to read this.”