Joy from 50 years of Irish Red Cross volunteering slowing down early-onset dementia, couple receiving lifetime achievement award say

Deirdre and Brian Madden (68) from Galway city have been given Lifetime Achievement awards by the Irish Red Cross.

Deirdre has early-onset dementia but doctors believe the progress has been slowed and the couple praise the benefits they get from volunteering. They also owe the Irish Red Cross thanks for their romance which blossomed when they met through the organisation in Galway.

“Deirdre’s consultant is surprised by how good she is. We operate a minibus two or three days a week to bring elderly people from around the county to hospital appointments. Deirdre is in the back talking to everyone.

“We have great fun with them. Somebody coming from Ballinasloe could not afford €100 for a taxi,” said Brian, a retired ESB worker.

He said his proudest moment as a volunteer was in 1979 during the Pope’s visit to Galway when he ran the first aid unit at Ballybrit.

He remembers working a 28-hour shift, the thousands of people, and the energy and occasion of it.

He also provided support during the Galway fire in the 1970s. He was also there supporting refugees who came to Galway from the north of Ireland, to escape the July 12 events in the 1970s.

Deirdre joined the Irish Red Cross in 1969 and has dedicated 55 years to community service. As a community support officer she has played a vital role in patient transfers, hospital support, and community aid distribution, often collaborating with organisations like the St Vincent de Paul.

In addition to her community work, Deirdre has supported Red Cross training, assisting with courses, practicals and equipment maintenance. A nomination for this award highlighted her strength and dedication, continuing to serve her community despite the challenges of early-onset dementia.

Speaking about the couple’s recognition Deirdre Garvey, Secretary of the Irish Red Cross said: “Deirdre and Brian embody the essence of the Irish Red Cross through their decades of dedicated service and unwavering compassion. Their partnership in volunteerism is a testament to the power of working together to make a difference. We are honoured to celebrate their incredible legacy.”

“The Lifetime Achievement award for Deirdre Madden was particularly moving, recognising her continued dedication to the Irish Red Cross despite the challenges of early-onset dementia. Her resilience and selflessness have touched the hearts of all who know her,” she continued.

The Irish Red Cross said it extends its heartfelt congratulations to Deirdre and Brian Madden and all award recipients for their extraordinary contributions.

The organisation has more than 3,000 volunteers operating of out 73 branches in communities, both big and small across Ireland

A high number of the volunteers are highly trained at emergency response, emergency medical technician, mountain rescue, cardiac first aid response, psychological first aid and mental health therapy, and committed to investing in their personal upskilling and training in service of their community and to provide support in emergencies.

They give their time to help others in their time of need, working to keep people safe and striving to foster inclusion and unity in the community, said a spokesman.

Irish Red Cross volunteers gave more than 100,000 total hours of support last year to support individuals and communities in Ireland, he added.

Volunteers provided first aid cover at more than 2,000 events in 2023, treating injuries, providing pre-hospital care and transferring individuals for life-saving care. Symptoms included chest pain, stroke, collapse, dizziness, paralysis and head injuries.