A Dungannon businessman is taking a 2004 Mini Cooper on a three-day road trip around Ireland in memory of his mum – celebrating her love of life, laughter and staying active, while raising money for Dementia NI.
Jack Loughran, 54, Director of Europarts Motor Factors in Dungannon, lost his mum Rita Loughran, aged 91, in December 2024. Her middle name was Rose and Jack affectionately called her ‘Rosy’.
Rita was known for loving “the craic”, having a great personality and being up for a laugh.
She loved cooking and baking, enjoyed having the whole family together at Christmas and, Jack says, would have absolutely loved the idea of her son taking a Mini Cooper around Ireland.
Jack says Rita remained incredibly active in the early stages of her dementia. She would still go for two walks every day and, even when carers came into the house, was so full of energy they could barely keep up with her.
“She would skip up the stairs. The carers had bother keeping up with her.”
As her condition progressed, Rita eventually became unable to go out for her walks, something Jack remembers being particularly difficult for her.
For Jack, supporting Dementia NI is about helping people make the most of life while living with dementia – and raising awareness of the support available.
“Dementia NI was an obvious one for me because my mum had dementia and my father-in-law has dementia, so it touches both me and my wife. I know what people are going through. If I can help one person, my job is done.”
Rita and Brian Loughran
Karen Kerr, Head of Engagement at Dementia NI, said: “Jack’s fundraising is a wonderful and very personal tribute to his mum, Rita, and we’re incredibly grateful that he has chosen to support Dementia NI.
“His story is a great reminder that those living with dementia should continue to be supported to live well and enjoy the things that matter to them.
“Reaching £17,000 is an incredible achievement, and we’re delighted to be part of Jack’s journey as he takes on this brilliant challenge.
“We wish him and his co-pilots a safe and enjoyable trip around Ireland and hope he has plenty of laughs along the way – just as Rita would have wanted.”
Jack originally set a £10,000 fundraising target, but with Gift Aid and donations the total has now reached £17,000. He hopes to reach £20,000.
“Everyone has a story,” he says. “Unless someone has lived it and seen it up close and personal, they wouldn’t know.”
The challenge will see Jack leave Dungannon at 9.30am on Thursday, September 24, travelling through Wexford, the south of Ireland, Westport and Donegal before finishing in Ballygawley at around 4pm on Saturday, September 26.
His son Eunan will join him as co-pilot for one day, while family friend and Europarts supplier John Cooney will join him for another.
And the choice of vehicle is very deliberate.
“A new car, you could do it in a breeze. I like the Mini. It’s great to drive. It’s a 2004 – bits are falling off it left, right and centre. That’s part of the challenge. Will we make it, will we not?”
The Mini will be stickered up with support from Jack’s motor trade suppliers, who are sponsoring parts including body panels, wings and a door. A QR code on the car will allow people to donate directly to Dementia NI via a fundraising page: https://www.justgiving.com/page/jackloughran
For Jack, the trip is as much about having fun as fundraising – a fitting tribute to a mum who loved nothing more than a bit of silliness. He says they shared a similar sense of humour and spent years winding each other up.
“Silly things, the simpler the better.”
Jack has little doubt what Rita would have made of the whole adventure.
“She would say, ‘There’s wiser out in the field eating grass.’”
And, as he prepares the Mini for its journey, he can imagine her looking on and asking:
“‘What’s that about? What’s he doing now?!’”
A banner will be arranged for Jack’s departure, with supporters expected to gather in Ballygawley when he returns. A celebration will be held at a local B&B following the challenge.
