Other

There are many, many other different ways you can get active to raise funds to defeat dementia.

If you want to do something a bit different from cycling, running or swimming, these case studies could give you a few new ideas.

You could, for example, get your friends or colleagues to compete against each other in a sports day, football, hockey or netball tournament.

£2,000 raised at charity football match in memory of Stuart Flood

A large crowd turned up in the sunshine to support a charity football match on 4 September, in Tonteg, near Pontypridd, in memory of 29- year-old Stuart Flood, who died suddenly in November 2009. The match was held at the Llantwit Fardre Football Club and over £2,000 was raised to boost funds for Alzheimer’s Research UK.

Mark Woods, one of the organisers, talked about the event and explained the motivation for supporting Alzheimer’s Research UK:

‘The match was a resounding success and followed on from the game last winter, raising much-needed funds for dementia research. Stuart would have been so pleased as he worked as a carer, looking after people with this dreadful condition. It’s great to know that the money raised will pay for 200 hours of cutting-edge research to find new treatments.

‘Just before kick-off we all observed a minute’s applause of honour for Stuart. Then the Stuart Flood Xl started strong against its competitors, the Rest of the World team, and managed to hold their nerve, winning 9 to 3 and retaining the trophy.

‘Afterwards there was a buffet at the sports club and then everyone headed off to the Hollybush Inn for a night of music and remembrance. Local vocalist Kiah Lyn provided the entertainment, with one or two other people unable to resist giving impromptu performances, and everyone had a really good time. A raffle helped to add to our total and included prizes from Cardiff City FC as well as Robbie Savage from Derby County.

‘Stuart and I grew up together in Tonteg; in fact, there’s a group of us who have remained friends right through and we banded together to arrange this football match in his memory. He was a huge football fan, playing for the Llantwit Fardre youth team in his earlier days, and was an avid supporter of Liverpool. We plan to make this an annual event now to coincide with Stuart’s birthday each September. We’ve all been devastated by his death but focusing our minds on organising these matches, knowing they will help people in the long run, really helps.’

Sports day to help defeat dementia

Baker Tilly’s R&R team took part in their office’s August corporate sports day, which saw different teams competing against each other to be crowned the overall champions. £2,300 was raised by the team for Alzheimer’s Research UK after they took part in various fundraising activities including a golf day, quiz evening and the sports day.

If you are a community group, team of colleagues or group of friends looking to get active in some way and raise funds for dementia research, please contact the fundraising team on 0300 111 5555, or email fundraising@alzheimersresearchuk.org