Preston North End Communtiy and Education Trust has presented a cheque for £1,050 to the Alzheimer’s Society after its fundraising activities on World Alzheimer’s Day last year.
Community Engagement Coordinator Alistair White was at the heart of the activities on September 21 – the date on which World Alzheimer’s Day is celebrated annually – in 2020, running six rounds of 4km throughout the day for a total of 24km in 24 hours.
Due to various Covid-19 restrictions, the Trust has been unable to present the Alzheimer’s Society with the funds until now – coinciding with this year’s World Alzheimer’s Month.
Alistair White said: “I’m delighted to finally formally present the Alzheimer’s Society with a cheque for £1,050 on behalf of Preston North End Community and Education Trust, after our fundraising activities on World Alzheimer’s Day last year.
“I completed a distance of 24km in 24 hours to support the Alzheimer’s Society, running or walking six rounds of 4km throughout the day.
“The Alzheimer’s Society cause is an important one for me, as registered Dementia Friend, and having worked closely on our Sporting Memories programme at Preston North End, which supports people living with dementia, depression and loneliness.”
Sue Swire, Community Fundraiser for Cumbria and Lancashire for the Alzheimer’s Society, added: "Following a difficult year for people with dementia, we are in awe of supporters like Alistair whose brilliant fundraising efforts enable us to reach more people through our vital support services, like the Dementia Connect support line.
“Our services have been used five and a half million times since the first lockdown began in March last year and have been a lifeline to thousands, but there are so many more who urgently need our help.”
Last week, the Trust invited Sporting Memories participants to the Carabao Cup fixture against Cheltenham Town, which fell on this year’s World Alzheimer’s Day.
Sporting Memories supports people living with dementia, depression and loneliness – and their carers – through themed reminiscence activities, and has been running online since the start of the Coronavirus pandemic.
Meetings run via Zoom every Tuesday from 11am until 12.30pm and the Zoom link can be received by emailing hannah.white@pne.com.
For more information about how you can raise funds for the Alzheimer’s Society, visit www.alzheimers.org.uk.