Health Board: upcoming conferences, talks, campaigns and events

1) Cystic Fibrosis Ireland is hosting its annual conference in the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Dundalk on April 6th and 7th. The theme is independent living. Prof Gerry McElvaney, Consultant Respiratory Physician, Beaumont Hospital Dublin will talk about medications, Dr John Waterstone, Consultant Gynaecologist, Cork University Maternity Hospital will talk about assisted fertility and Dr Martin Wildman, Consultant in Respiratory Medicine and Adult Cystic Fibrosis, Sheffield Adult CF Centre will speak about self-management. There will also be patient experiences and workshops. Register or watch the conference live streamed on cfireland.ie

2) The Irish Red Cross is seeking participants for its fourth annual Sunrise Summit Challenge on Saturday, May 26th. This night-time hike involves hiking through the early morning darkness to reach one of Ireland's six most challenging peaks in time to watch the sun rise. The six different mountain locations are Carrauntoohill in Co Kerry, Lugnaquilla and Djouce in Co Wicklow, Galtymore in Co Tipperary, Mweelrea in Co Mayo and Errigal in Co Donegal. Each group will be guided by trained and experienced Mountain Guides. Advance registration costs €50 plus €100 minimum fundraising to take part. This night hike raises funds for communities affected by natural disasters and conflict at home and in countries including Syria, Yemen and Myanmar. redcross.ie/sunrisesummit or contact Louise on (01) 406 4616.

3) Down Syndrome Ireland is holding a photographic exhibition of its adult members in the Powerscourt Centre, Dublin until April 30th. Council Member Daragh Murphy from Newbridge in Kildare is photographed on the court in the National Basketball Arena in Dublin wearing his basketball kit.

He says, "The photo shows me on the spot. I'm focused and strong. I took part in the Special Olympics (representing) Leinster in basketball. I won an All-Ireland silver medal . . . looking at the photos you see what people have achieved. You see who they are." President of Down Syndrome Ireland Mary Doherty said: "This exhibition is about celebrating our adult community and showcasing the diversity of educational and work engagement, the depth of artistic and sporting skill and active community involvement these adults enjoy and have."

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4) The ACT for Meningitis annual sporting event, Remembering Aoibhe Renville Challenge, will take place on Sunday, April 8th. This year's race line-up includes a 5km time-chipped run/walk at 11am and a 3km/16km/3km Duathlon at 3pm.

To mark Aoibhe's 10th anniversary, there will be a 2.5km Junior Race at 10am. This all takes place at the picturesque Renville Park in Oranmore, overlooking Galway Bay. Aoibhe Carroll sadly lost her life to Meningitis in 2008 at just four years of age. Check out iregister.ie/v2/rarc/ or call Dawn on 091-380058.