Alzheimer's Research UK

Medway Champion raises over £1k for Alzheimer’s Research UK

21/09/2011

Vivienne Hill from Chatham Maritime cajoled friends and family to take on the Adidas Women’s 5K Challenge on 11 September, to boost funds for Alzheimer’s Research UK. Together they raised over £1,000 to fund pioneering dementia research.

With the sun shining, the enthusiastic ladies celebrated how wonderful mums are as they ran through London’s Hyde Park for the event. They also paid tribute to Vivienne’s beloved mum Mary, who died in 2010 after a long struggle with early-onset Alzheimer’s.

Vivienne, 47, a Champion of Alzheimer’s Research UK, talked about the run and her motivation for supporting the charity:
“This is the second time we’ve completed this challenge and it was brilliant! Being among a crowd of over 16,000 runners really got the adrenaline going and we gave it our all. It was fantastic knowing we were doing something positive to help defeat Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. 

“My dear mum was only 61 when she was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s. It was terribly sad knowing there was very little that could be done to help due to a lack of funds for new treatments. It’s made me determined to do everything I can to raise money.

“She was such a caring and vibrant mum. She was a wonderful cook and a talented dressmaker – she used to make beautiful ball gowns. But gradually she struggled to even sew a hem and couldn’t remember the ingredients for her lovely cakes. Within eight years she was bedridden, unable to walk, talk or do anything for herself.

“The 24-hour attention she needed put a huge strain on all the family and we were devastated when we realised we just couldn’t cope any more. It broke our hearts when mum went into a care home. We would dearly love to see a cure for this cruel disease so that other people don’t have to suffer. We want to give hope to future generations through the money we’ve raised for Alzheimer’s Research UK.”

Miranda Mays, Community Fundraising Manager for Alzheimer’s Research UK, said:
“This is an excellent result and we can’t thank Vivienne and her team enough for all their efforts. The money raised will pay for hours of pioneering research or vital equipment for our scientists, bringing us closer to finding ways to diagnose, prevent, treat and cure Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.

“Vivienne is an incredible campaigner and fundraiser for Alzheimer’s Research UK. Over the years she’s worked tirelessly to raise awareness of the urgent need for more investment into research for Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Her continued support is just amazing and we greatly appreciate all her efforts.

“There are over 17,000 people in Kent living with dementia today, one of the highest county figures in the UK, but funding lags far behind that of other serious diseases. Dementia can only be defeated through research and we rely entirely on our wonderful supporters like Vivienne.”

To add to Vivienne’s efforts to raise funds for crucial dementia research, donate online at http://www.justgiving.com/MoMs2011 or call the fundraising team at Alzheimer’s Research UK on 01223 843899.