Volunteer Stories

My name is Moira Shaw and I have been a Volunteer with the Alzheimer’s Society for 15 years.  

Initially I belonged to a Steering Group in Cookstown in 2000, and then when a Branch was formed to cover the Magherafelt and Cookstown District Council Area in 2002, I became the Treasurer.  My mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease in 2000 and as our family received much needed support and information from the Alzheimer’s Society, I felt I would like to help as a volunteer.  

The Alzheimer’s Society provides a very comprehensive support network and I am proud of the work it does in helping people with dementia and their carers.  I now hold the title of Thanker/Banker, Fundraising Volunteer and Awareness Volunteer. The Alzheimer’s Society continue to update my training to ensure I give accurate information and am aware of recent developments in all aspects of the brain disease.  

My mother died in 2012 but I have continued to work as a volunteer for the Alzheimer’s Society as I feel I am valued by the charity and hope the work I do will help those affected by dementia.  I feel that my role will signpost people with dementia and their carers to an organisation which provides excellent guidance. 

I continue to learn more about dementia and would like to think that much need research will find a cure, or at least people with dementia and their carers will have their needs fully met.