On Sunday, Stephanie Maginnes will take on a challenge of walking around the lake edge of Enniskillen to raise funds for the Alzheimer’s Society.

Stephanie (47) originally from Scarva, Co. Down but now living in Enniskillen is taking on the challenge in memory of her late mother, Phyllis but the challenge is significant also as Stephanie at had a mini-stroke back in January 2017 at the age of 41

Stephanie cared for her mother who died in December 2019 for four years prior to her stroke. She said: “I was looking after my mum for four years at home before I had my mini stroke.

“Most of my working life, before I had a stroke I was a carer and I looked after my mum.

“I loved being a carer and it gives you a great pleasure to give people a bit of TLC in their final years and now I have seen it from both sides.

“Mum was always very strong and independent, fiercely so but to see her become frail, it broke my heart.”

She added: “Alzheimer’s is a vile disease.”

Commenting on her determination to take part in this challenge, Stephanie said: “I have a double dose of stubbornness in my family from both my mother and father and I was not going to let the stroke beat me.”

On Sunday determined Stephanie will be walking along the lake shores of Lough Erne in Enniskillen.

She said: “I am walking around the lough in Enniskillen starting from Riverside, I am doing it this way as I have to avoid hills. My partner’s oldest daughter is rounding up people to be with me for the walk and keep me company.”

Stephanie said: “I want to thank everybody for the donations and support so far. Every single penny will go to the charity and it will go toward research for dementia.”

If you wish to donate you can do via https://tinyurl.com/4rpndpua.