Other News In Brief

Belfast Lord Mayor Joins 1,000 Walkers To Raise Funds For Alzheimer's Society

Belfast Lord Mayor Ryan Murphy joined almost 1,000 people on Saturday, 23 September, to help raise funds through the Alzheimer's Society's annual Memory Walk at Ormeau Park.

The Lord Mayor joined walkers to raise vital funds for the dementia charity, as well as to honour and remember loved ones affected by the illness.

Walkers set off at 11am following a Zumba warm-up and after the ribbon was cut by the Lord Mayor and local Alzheimer's Society volunteer, Brenda Brown.

Belfast Lord Mayor, Councillor Ryan Murphy said: "I'm grateful to have been invited to take part in the Alzheimer's Society annual Belfast Memory Walk this morning in our beautiful Ormeau Park. It's so uplifting to see people coming together to raise vital funds that will help finance ongoing support for families living with dementia, as well as vital research. In my role as First Citizen this year, it's such an honour to meet so many people who give of their time to help others. Belfast people are known the world over for their kindness and resilience – and this morning, that's really shone through."

Money raised from the event will help finance ongoing support for families living with dementia, as well as funding vital research.

The commitment of those taking part has never been more important, with one in three people born today in the UK going on to develop dementia in their lifetime.

Barry Smyth, Area Manager for Alzheimer's Society in Northern Ireland said; "We are in awe of our incredible fundraisers, who turned out in their hundreds to support people living with dementia in Northern Ireland. With an estimated 13,600 people living with dementia in Northern Ireland, there has never been a better time for people to get out there, fundraising and raising awareness of the condition.

"I think that everyone who took part on Saturday made a big difference in the journey towards a future where dementia no longer devastates lives. I hope they all enjoyed their day and found it both moving and uplifting being in the company of so many other people with similar experiences. I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has helped make this year's Memory Walk such a brilliant success."

DUP Praises Success Of Special Olympics Ulster Athletes

The DUP has congratulated Special Olympics Ulster Athletes on their success at the recent World Summer Games in Berlin.

Following a special recognition reception at Parliament Buildings, North Down MLA Stephen Dunne, the DUP's Assembly Spokesperson for Sport, said: "I was delighted to welcome local athletes from Special Olympics Ulster who secured a tremendous haul of 31 medals (12 gold, 8 silver, and 11 bronze) as part of Team Ireland that competed at the World Summer Games in Berlin to Parliament Buildings for a special recognition reception.

"It was great to speak with many of the athletes and find out more about their individual journeys to success. Each of them has an inspiring story to tell and should be seen as great role models for their hard work in training and dedication over many years. Recognition should also be given to the excellent coaches, volunteers and their families and friends who gave up so much of their time and energy to support the athletes and make sure the team's participation in the games ran so successfully.

"In Northern Ireland, we have a very rich and proud sporting tradition, and the outstanding success of our Special Olympic athletes demonstrates once again our country's ability to punch above its weight when it comes to sporting achievements. Furthermore, the variety of sports in which our talented athletes were successful showcases just how vibrant and diverse the sporting scene in Northern Ireland is, with success in sports including gymnastics, kayaking, football, golf, bocce and basketball. I would like to commend Special Olympics Ulster, Special Olympics Ireland, Sport NI and the Department for Communities for all their support in making dreams come true for these athletes.

"Sport changes lives and gives incredible opportunities for so many. I would like to wish the athletes well for the future and I look forward to seeing their future successes including at the next Summer Games in Australia in 2027."

PSNI Investigating Anti-Social Behaviour In Strathfoyle

The PSNI in L'Derry are investigating incidents of anti-social behaviour and criminal damage in Strathfoyle.

On Saturday evening, 23 September, at around 8.10pm a bus that had broken down at the junction of Clonmeen Drive and Temple Road had a window smashed. Earlier, just before 8pm, police received reports of antisocial behaviour in Deramore Drive where a door was ripped off a derelict property. Shortly before 10pm on Sunday night, 24th September, it was reported graffiti had been daubed on a bus shelter in Clonmeen Drive. When conducting enquiries in the area, police also discovered graffiti daubed on a nearby defibrillator unit.

Speaking about the incidents, Chief Inspector Yvonne McManus said: "These are all serious incidents which are having a distressing impact on local residents in Strathfoyle. We have been speaking with local residents in Strathfoyle, and we know this activity is not welcomed in the area, or is it representative of those living in the community.

"We will continue with a visible presence in the area with our Neighbourhood Policing Team officers on patrol and we will robustly investigate reports made to us, or that come to our attention.

"The actions of those involved could result in someone being seriously injured. It has to stop.

"Some of this recent activity has been directed at a local political representative. It is unacceptable when those involved in our political process become the subject of abuse or threats. This will be thoroughly investigated and we will explore all lines of enquiry. The Police Service remains committed to doing everything we can to ensure our elected representatives can live and work free from harassment, intimidation or any other form of criminality.

"We will continue to meet with partner agencies and representatives, and we want to reassure the community we are committed to working together. I want to take this opportunity to urge residents to continue reporting any concerns so that we can take action. You can get in touch with us on 101, always 999 in an emergency. You can also make a report anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."