Family scale Errigal to fundraise for dementia research in memory of Rose

Rose Mullan was the centre of her family and when she was diagnosed with Dementia, they repaid the dedication and love she had shown to them by caring for her in her final years.
The group pictured at the top of Mount Errigal. (Photo Ryan Mullan)The group pictured at the top of Mount Errigal. (Photo Ryan Mullan)
The group pictured at the top of Mount Errigal. (Photo Ryan Mullan)

And since the popular former nurse passed away at the age of 85 in March 2016, the family have decided to fundraise in her memory to help others affected by Dementia.

Over the past three months, the Mullan family have raised over £1,700 through a fundraising drive in aid of the Alzheimer’s Society which included a hike up Mount Errigal recently.

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In her latter years, Rose had taken up painting and among the Donegal beauty spots she portrayed, was Mount Errigal, beside the Donegal village of Glenswilly where she was born.

The late Rose MullanThe late Rose Mullan
The late Rose Mullan

Rose was the oldest of 13 children born in Glenswilly to local blacksmith, Charlie Bonner and his wife Frances, and she grew up on a small farm.

After leaving Technical College, she began her training as a nurse in St Conall’s Hospital Letterkenny, where she met her future husband Jim Mullan, a Derry man who was working in James Doherty Butchers’ Shop on Main Street. The couple had seven children, Gerry, Cathal, Adrian, Noeleen, Frances, Gary, Edwin and lived firstly in Creggan before moving to Brookdale Park in Galliagh but, tragically, Jim died suddenly at the age of 59, leaving Rose a widow at 56. She continued to work as a nurse in Derry until she eventually retired from Stradreagh Hospital. It was then, after joining U3A (University of the Third Age) that she took up Tai Chi and also painting.

Her family said she surprised everyone with this hidden artistic talent and Rose left many beautiful paintings as her legacy to be enjoyed by her family.

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Her relatives said Rose’s “laughter and sense of fun was shared by all who knew her and her kindness is remembered and cherished” and that Rose was “always a familiar face at the bingo hall, the chapel and the local shops”.

The group pictured at the start of the climb up Mount Errigal.The group pictured at the start of the climb up Mount Errigal.
The group pictured at the start of the climb up Mount Errigal.

Her grandson Ryan Mullan, who organised the climb up Errigal, said all major family events and get together were organised by Rose. “She was the fulcrum of the family, often catering for over 25 people at Christmas, Easter and other events. She still affects so many of us who were fortunate to know her so well,” he said, adding: “Rose would often paint, beautiful scenic landscapes of Donegal in particular and also Mount Errigal. We thought it would be befitting if all the family climbed this epic mountain in honour of Rose for charity.”

The family have managed to raise £1,700 for the Alzheimer’s Society with the help and support of the “very generous people of Derry, family and friends from all over, and also a kind donation from the Loughs Agency.”

In her later years, as Dementia developed, Rose’s family took it upon themselves to look after her. And in experiences echoed by many families, Ryan said their difficult days, particularly when Rose didn’t recognise people, but he adds that they were thankful that throughout she was “always happy and pleasant.”

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Speaking about Dementia he said: “It’s a horrible illness. It seems to be more prevalent now than ever. There have been new breakthroughs and research is moving rapidly. It’s a case of having enough funding for the research so its a good cause to try and support.”

(left to right )Edwin, Francess, Gary, Ryan, Gerard, Jerry Mullan and Ella mei, Mia Bo and Zara Cheung (Photo: Ryan Mullan)(left to right )Edwin, Francess, Gary, Ryan, Gerard, Jerry Mullan and Ella mei, Mia Bo and Zara Cheung (Photo: Ryan Mullan)
(left to right )Edwin, Francess, Gary, Ryan, Gerard, Jerry Mullan and Ella mei, Mia Bo and Zara Cheung (Photo: Ryan Mullan)

And following their successful three-month fundraising campaign this year, the family now plan to stage a fundraising event in Rose’s memory every year.

Since Rose passed away, her children and grandchildren have honoured her memory in another way be ensuring they continue the tradition of gathering together as a family for special occasions.

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