A BASINGSTOKE man has raised more than £300 for charity by completing a sponsored run.
Graham Kent, 71, raised the money by taking part in the Running Down Dementia challenge organised by British charity Alzheimer’s Research UK.
Graham ran a total distance of 453km between June 3 and July 31, raising £370 for ARUK through sponsorships.
Graham said: “I am a regular runner, but the hot summer weather didn’t make it easy.
“I’m very grateful to everyone who sponsored me and the messages of encouragement I received.”
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The Grove Road resident was inspired to undertake the challenge by his wife, who lives with dementia.
“It’s a serious, progressive condition which is, eventually, terminal. Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia have now overtaken heart disease to become the leading cause of death in England and Wales.
“The brain is responsible for more than thought, memory and understanding. It controls our bodily systems including breathing, circulation and digestion. Alzheimer’s kills cells in the brain.
“This damage initially leads to problems remembering things and communicating effectively.
“However, with time the brain damage affects the whole body, leading to death.”
Alzheimer’s Research UK launched Running Down Dementia in 2016.
The fundrasier challenges supporters to run a distance of their choice to raise money for ARUK.
So far, the campaign has raised more than £1million for the charity, all of which has gone towards funding life-changing research.
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“Today, there are no effective treatments to slow, stop or prevent the diseases that cause dementia, but scientists are working hard to change that.
“We are so grateful to everyone who is clocking up the kilometres for Running Down Dementia.
“The vital funds raised will help us in our mission to make breakthroughs possible for people suffering with dementia.”
A hundred and thirty-one runners took part in Running Down Dementia this year, running for a combined distance of 6,748km, and raising £14,767 for Alzheimer’s Research UK.
More information about Alzheimer's Research UK can be found on its website alzheimersresearchuk.org.
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