Swim, cycle, run: Costa del Sol Ironman’s plea for dementia support

A Costa del Sol athlete is asking the community to get behind a challenge after choosing an endurance event to raise money for a local dementia support group.

Rob O’Malley will take on the IRONMAN 70.3 Malaga on October 18, covering 113 kilometres: a 1.9km swim, 90km bike ride and 21.1km run.

Rob O’Malley takes on 113km challenge

Malaga’s first IRONMAN 70.3 will bring thousands of competitors, but Rob’s reason for taking part is closer to home. His fundraiser will support the Dementia Support Group in San Luis de Sabinillas, a small volunteer-run team helping older people facing dementia, Alzheimer’s, serious illness and financial hardship.

Many have no family living nearby, so everyday problems can quickly become frightening, while loneliness can be just as difficult as practical challenges.

Local volunteers provide help when it matters

Volunteers step in wherever they are needed. They buy food, arrange transport, help with urgent utility bills, find suitable carers and provide wheelchairs and other mobility equipment. Sometimes, though, the most important thing is having someone there.

People such as Shay, who is living with advanced dementia, and John, who lost both legs after serious complications from diabetes, are among those receiving support. Their circumstances are different, but both show why practical assistance and human contact can make such a difference when life changes dramatically.

Every donation can help someone locally

Rob is asking friends, colleagues, neighbours and the wider community to support his challenge. Every donation, whatever the amount, will go directly to the group’s official bank account to help the people it supports.

Anyone unable to donate can still help by sharing the fundraiser and telling others about the work being done locally. Rob plans to share updates during his training and race, giving supporters the chance to follow his progress.

For a man preparing to swim, cycle and run 113 kilometres, the challenge is huge. His message is simple: turn some sweat into support, and help make sure vulnerable people in the community do not face difficult times alone.
Fond Rob’s GoFundMe page at gofundme.com/f/help-me-go-the-distance-for-the-dementia-support-group