Tuscany. Paddy Kierans Memorial. Annual Fundraising Walk Oct 05th -12th Come on you can make the difference

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1 A Taste of Tuscany Fundraising Walk 2013 for Paddy Kierans Memorial Annual Fundraising Walk Oct 05th -12th 2013 Join our fundraising walk to assist towards the funding of research for a cure for Cystic Fibrosis and general provision of support services to persons with Cystic Fibrosis. We need help from willing walkers Come on you can make the difference Many small changes will soon make a big difference

2 What is Cystic Fibrosis? Cystic Fibrosis (also called mucoviscidosis) is Ireland s most common life-threatening inherited disease. Approximately 1 in 19 people are carriers of the CF gene and where two carriers parent a child together, there is a 1 in 4 chance of the baby being born with Cystic Fibrosis. CF affects the glands, damaging many organs including the lungs, the pancreas, the digestive tract and the reproductive system. It causes thick sticky mucus to be produced, blocking the bronchial tubes and preventing the body s natural enzymes from digesting food. A build up of mucus can make it difficult to clear bacteria and leads to cycles of lung infections and inflammation, which can eventually lead to damage of the lungs. CF can also make it difficult to digest and absorb adequate nutrients from food. Mucus blocks the duct of the pancreas, preventing enzymes from reaching the intestines to digest food. As a result, persons with CF must consume artificial enzymes with food, to help them absorb adequate nutrition from their food. They must also follow a demanding daily routine of physical therapy to keep the lungs free of congestion and infection. Additional organ systems involved are the reproductive tract and the sweat glands. Other organ systems may be involved to lesser degrees. The result is that people with CF are prone to constant chest infections and malnutrition. All funds raised on our walk go to Cystic Fibrosis Ireland, a company Limited by Guarantee. It was set up in 1963 to increase knowledge and awareness of CF and to give advice and support to people with Cystic Fibrosis and their families. The CHY number is 6350 and the company registration number is

3 TUSCANY Is a region in Italy having an area of about 23,000 square kilometres (8,900 sq mi) and a population of about 3.8 million inhabitants. The regional capital is Florence Tuscany is known for its landscapes, traditions, history and artistic legacy It is regarded as the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance and has been home to many figures influential in the history of art and science. As a result, the region boasts museums (such as the Uffizi, the Pitti Palace and the Chianciano Museum of Art). Tuscany is famous for its wines, including the wellknown Chianti to name but one.(it has been voted best travelers wine destination 2012) Tuscany has over 120 protected nature reserves, making Tuscany and its capital Florence popular tourist destinations that attract millions of tourists every year. MONTECATINI TERME is a lively town, with lots of shops and green areas, and famous for its spa. The nearby countryside offers an abundance of walking opportunities one of which would be a walk in the Padule, that is the widest swamp in Italy where it is possible to see water birds. This area is a considerable tourist attraction both in terms of experiencing the flora and fauna and engaging in birdwatching. It is a magnificant setting for landscape photography. Padule has always had great strategic importance over the centuries and has been a natural defense system against threat from invasions. CASTAGNETO CARDUCI The second part of the stay will be near the seaside, in the charming landscape of the Etruscan Coast, characterized by scented Mediterranean bush, crossed by paths ideal for walking, studded by pretty medieval villages

4 ADVANCE ITINERARY (maybe subject to change ) Saturday 05 th October Depart Dublin 12:10 Arrive Bologna 15:50 We then transfer to Montecatini Terme Check-in at the hotel - Dinner and overnight at the hotel. Sunday 06th October Breakfast at the hotel Walking tour in the surroundings, individual lunch Dinner and overnight at the hotel Monday 07th October We take a full day tour to Florence where we will walk and explore the magnificent city. Dinner and overnight in hotel. Tuesday 08th October After our breakfast we walk in the famous Padule swamp region with it abundance of military history not to mention the beauty of the region. Later that evening we have dinner in the Hotel or restaurant and celebrate the presentation of our honorary walker award. Wednesday 09th October Today we check out of our hotel and head to our 2nd base in Castagneto Carducci, and most important this day we visit Pisa a city on the right bank of the mouth of the River Arno on the Tyrrhenian Sea. It is the capital city of the Province of Pisa. Although Pisa is known worldwide for its leaning tower (the bell tower of the city s cathedral), the city of over 88,332 residents (around 200,000 with the metropolitan area) contains more than 20 other historic churches, several palaces and various bridges across the River Arno.

5 The city is also home of the University of Pisa, which has a history going back to the 12th century. We will do a walking tour in the town, with an official guide, to see not only the Leaning Tower, the Cathedral and the Piazza dei Miracoli, but all the most important monuments, the nicest places and the enchanting views of the town. We arrive evening time at our hotel for check in and dinner. Thursday 10 th October Breakfast at the hotel and then we will set out for a good fresh coastal walk. Dinner and overnight in Hotel. Friday 11 th October Breakfast at the hotel walking tour in the surroundings Gala Dinner in the hotel or restaurant and overnight. Saturday 12 th October After Breakfast we check out of hotel for our journey back to Bologna and our flight home. We depart Bologna 16:30hrs Arrive Dublin 18:10hrs In order to make a difference, all you need to do is start. A fundraising walk is always a most satisfying experience. It affords one the opportunity to do something for others, go places beyond ones imagination, meet people sharing a common concern and find new friends. Our fundraising walks for Cystic Fibrosis provide all these opportunities. The challenge is in the Fundraising as the walk is a moderate challenge at a moderate pace. Each participant must raise and pay the required funds i.e to Cystic Fibrosis Ireland prior to departure. Help with any ideas and advice on fundraising may be obtained by calling any of the numbers listed below but among the suggestions are:- Grocery bag packing, Book sales, Dog walking, Personal shopper service, Raffle, Sell Crafts and Handmade items, Bake Sale, Bingo Night, Charity Concert, Coffee Morning, Fashion Show, Golf Tournament, Quiz Night, Themed fundraising Party and Wine Tasting.

6 All walkers will receive a kit containing a bag, a T shirt and a hat. You will have the very best of local guides to inform you on the history and culture of our destination. We again dedicate our walk to the memory of Paddy Kierans whose untimely death occurred in December Paddy was a dedicated walker and officer in CF Ireland. He was a founder member of the Cystic Fibrosis walk committee, His kind, and trojan endeavours for the benefit of others continue onwards. Our walk will include the cost of return flights and Dinner bed and breakfast each day on a sharing room basis. You will be guided all the way. You will never walk alone! So come on, experience A taste of Tuscany for CF For Details, Information & registration forms please contact the walk committee: Bernie Murphy (chairperson) Julia Kierans (Vice Chairperson) Tony Griffith Frank Godfrey Eufemia Solinas at Cystic Fibrosis Ireland 24 lower Rathmines Road Dublin / Lo-Call