This week is the 2024 Petermarkathon and we are delighted to have Peter Mark salon’s across the country supporting our journey towards a society where no person’s life is limited by epilepsy.
During this week, the 69 Peter Mark salons around the country are running fundraising events to help continue the services provided by our Community Resource Officers – a service which responds to circa 20,000 contacts every year.
Some of the efforts that individual salons are coming up with are truly inspirational – and if you want to see some of these fundraisers in action, all you need to do is take a quick look at our Instagram to see the incredible efforts of all involved with Peter Mark.
Our new Communications and Research Executive, Deirdre O’Donovan, was out and about earlier this week visiting the Peter Mark salons in her local area – and in this piece, she describes her experience of visiting the salons – an experience we have no doubt that is being replicated across the country by all Peter Mark Salons!
On a sunny October morning I set out to visit nine Peter Mark salons in the South Dublin area. The purpose of my visits was to thank each one for their support, after they chose Epilepsy Ireland as their 2024 Petermartathon partner!
As someone who is new to the organisation (it’s my third week!), I was nervous that I wouldn’t be able to answer some questions the salon staff might have about epilepsy and our organisation. Turns out my fears were completely unfounded. I was blown away by the level of knowledge staff had of EI and the work we do, and by their commitment to raising funds for us and our service users.
But its not only funds they are raising, but also awareness. A number of the salon staff told me their own personal stories about loved ones living with the condition. Nicola in the Cornelscourt salon said that once the posters advertising the fundraiser went up, her clients started to share their own experiences. So, the Petermarkathon has already started wider conversations about living with epilepsy.
I kicked off my own Peter Markathon at the Killiney salon with the lovely Will who had a sponsored stationary cycle outside the salon as well as a massive raffle, supported by local businesses. In the Blackrock salon, Mary will be running the Dublin City Marathon to raise funds, alongside other events, like a cake sale in the salon. Fallon from the Bloomfield salon in Dun Laoghaire had a treadmill outside to raise funds, and one of their raffles was already sold out before the week even began, such was the level of support there. Returning to Nicola in Cornelscourt, they will have Irish Dancers bringing some extra energy to their events.
In Dundrum Town Centre, Kelly has organised a Spin The Wheel event for clients while down in Main Street Dundrum, their trainee Cara organised all the hampers and Trick or Treat giveaway. Meanwhile, in Nutgrove, Lauren has organised raffles for the event and last but not least, in the Stillorgan salon, Patricia has organised an ice bath challenge and a book sale.
As a newbie to EI, who is still learning about the organisation and epilepsy as a whole, it was fantastic to see Peter Mark’s enthuaism and commitment to the cause! Thank you to everyone I met and for speaking to me about what they have planned!
Once again, we would like to thank Peter Mark Salon’s across the country for the support they are showing for Epilepsy Ireland. You can learn more about the Petermarkathon and the work they are helping to support by visiting the ‘2024 Petermarkathon’ page on our website.
If you need any information or support on your or your loved one’s journey with epilepsy, please do not hesitate to contact your local Community Resource Officer. You can find their details by visiting the ‘Our Services’ section of our website.
