Costa del Sol

Swim, cycle, run: Costa del Sol Ironman’s plea for dementia support

Published

3 hours ago

October 1, 2026

admin

A Costa del Sol athlete is asking the community to get behind a challenge after choosing an endurance event to raise money for a local dementia support group.

Rob O’Malley will take on the IRONMAN 70.3 Malaga on October 18, covering 113 kilometres: a 1.9km swim, 90km bike ride and 21.1km run.

Rob O’Malley takes on 113km challenge

Malaga’s first IRONMAN 70.3 will bring thousands of competitors, but Rob’s reason for taking part is closer to home. His fundraiser will support the Dementia Support Group in San Luis de Sabinillas, a small volunteer-run team helping older people facing dementia, Alzheimer’s, serious illness and financial hardship.

Many have no family living nearby, so everyday problems can quickly become frightening, while loneliness can be just as difficult as practical challenges.

Local volunteers provide help when it matters

Volunteers step in wherever they are needed. They buy food, arrange transport, help with urgent utility bills, find suitable carers and provide wheelchairs and other mobility equipment. Sometimes, though, the most important thing is having someone there.

People such as Shay, who is living with advanced dementia, and John, who lost both legs after serious complications from diabetes, are among those receiving support. Their circumstances are different, but both show why practical assistance and human contact can make such a difference when life changes dramatically.

Every donation can help someone locally

Rob is asking friends, colleagues, neighbours and the wider community to support his challenge. Every donation, whatever the amount, will go directly to the group’s official bank account to help the people it supports.

Anyone unable to donate can still help by sharing the fundraiser and telling others about the work being done locally. Rob plans to share updates during his training and race, giving supporters the chance to follow his progress.

For a man preparing to swim, cycle and run 113 kilometres, the challenge is huge. His message is simple: turn some sweat into support, and help make sure vulnerable people in the community do not face difficult times alone.
Fond Rob’s GoFundMe page at gofundme.com/f/help-me-go-the-distance-for-the-dementia-support-group

Don't Miss

Body In Wetsuit And Rubber Ring Is Pulled From The Estepona Coast – The Fourth Discovered On The Costa Del Sol In Just A Month

Click to comment

Body

Body In Wetsuit And Rubber Ring Is Pulled From The Estepona Coast – The Fourth Discovered On The Costa Del Sol In Just A Month

Published

12 hours ago

October 1, 2026

Alessio Ghirlanda

body-in-wetsuit-and-rubber-ring-is-pulled-from-the-estepona-coast-–-the-fourth-discovered-on-the-costa-del-sol-in-just-a-month

It was discovered around 14km south-east of Estepona after a pleasure boat spotted it in the water on Tuesday evening.

airport

Malaga Airport Sets New Record With 262 Summer Routes As Traffic Continues To Grow

Published

1 day ago

September 30, 2026

Alessio Ghirlanda

malaga-airport-sets-new-record-with-262-summer-routes-as-traffic-continues-to-grow

Malaga airport smashes route record The Costa del Sol airport operated flights to 42 countries during the summer season – two more than it served throughout the whole of 2025.

art workshops

Get creative with jewellery and seashell workshops on the Costa del Sol

Published

2 days ago

September 29, 2026

admin

A series of relaxed creative workshops is giving people across the Costa del Sol the chance to make something personal while enjoying a drink and good company.

Jewels & Matcha combines jewellery-making with a social experience, with participants creating their own pieces using semi-precious gemstones, pearls and charms.

The workshops are designed to be informal and hands-on, making them suitable for friends, families, birthdays, hen parties, girls’ days out and other celebrations. Each participant leaves with their own creations, giving the experience a personal souvenir to take home.

The October programme includes four workshops in Estepona, Sotogrande and Fuengirola.

Jewellery-making in Estepona

On Saturday, October 10, Jewels & Matcha will host a jewellery-making workshop at Byoko in Estepona.

Participants can create three personalised jewellery pieces, choosing from a selection of gemstones, pearls and charms. A drink is included, with the two-hour workshop costing €55 per person.

Jewellery by the marina in Sotogrande

On Saturday, October 17, the jewellery-making workshop moves to Fresco Marina in Sotogrande.

Guests can create three pieces and choose a drink while enjoying a relaxed setting by the marina. The workshop is suitable for adults and teenagers aged 10 and over. The two-hour experience costs €55 per person.

Seashell art in Fuengirola

Sunday, October 18, brings a different creative experience in Fuengirola, with a seashell art workshop. Participants will use natural seashells to create their own decorative artwork, with coffee and cakes included. The two-hour workshop costs €49 per person.

Another seashell workshop in Estepona

On Saturday, October 24, Byoko in Estepona will host another seashell art workshop. The two-hour session costs €49 per person and gives participants the chance to turn natural seashells into a decorative piece of their own.

Jewels & Matcha also organises private jewellery-making experiences and creative parties across the Costa del Sol and Gibraltar. These can be arranged for birthdays, hen parties, mother-and-daughter experiences, girls’ trips, corporate events and retreats, either at a chosen venue or another suitable location.

For bookings and more information, visit www.jewelsandmatcha.com or follow @jewelsandmatcha on Instagram.