Keith Ross, our service director from our Aberdeen office completed 7 runs and marathons covering 1000 miles including training in one year to help raise vital funds to support people living with dementia across the region.
The fifty year old ran across the country and overseas for the cause. From the Great North Run, the Baker Hughes 10k in Aberdeen, the Great Scottish Summer 10k in Edinburgh, the Touch of Tartan Half Marathon in Perth. Finally taking part in the mammoth Nepal Marathon in November, plus many more across 2016.
Why Keith Ross runs
Keith Ross said: “I have personal experience of coping with a family member with dementia and have close friends with parents living with dementia. I wanted to challenge myself and also support the vital work carried out for people living with dementia and their families.
“I always said I’d take part in a marathon for charity when I turned 50. So, I decided to take the plunge when the big year came round. The running challenge grew from a marathon to a trail marathon in Nepal along with a race a month. As well as supporting Alzheimer Scotland, I also supported Maiti Nepal, a local charity in Nepal which works to promote gender equality and empowerment of women and girls.”
Andrea Watt, Alzheimer Scotland’s Community Fundraiser, said: “A massive well done to Keith who is a true inspiration to us all. Challenging himself to running 1000 miles over last year for two charities is an amazing effort. Over the year, Keith kept me up to date on his progress and also inspired my own running efforts. The Dementia Resource Centre in Aberdeen is very close to Keith’s office. We are delighted this money will be invested to help support people living with dementia across Aberdeen.”
Dementia is the biggest health and social care challenge faced by society today.
There are 90,000 people living with dementia in Scotland. By 2020, it is estimated that there will be over 1 million people living with dementia in the UK. Alzheimer Scotland is passionate that nobody should face dementia alone. They are also working across communities to help raise vital funds to support dementia support services. This includes the National Dementia Helpline, Dementia Advisors, dementia resource centres across Scotland and the Edinburgh University dementia research centre.
If you have any questions about dementia and of the services available in your area. Call Alzheimer Scotland’s 24-hour Helpline on 0808 808 3000 or visit the website at www.alzscot.org.
Posted in Aberdeen, About Us, Special Interest
