Wickes staff in London Marathon effort to boost funds for dementia research

Liverpool runner Kevin Rimmer will pull on his running shoes this month to tackle the Virgin Money London Marathon in aid of Alzheimer’s Research UK, the UK’s leading dementia research charity. Kevin, who works at the Wickes store in Birkenhead, will be joined by his colleague Michael Jones for the 26.2-mile race on Sunday 23 April. The runners are each hoping to raise £5,000 for Wickes’ charity partner.

While this will be 25-year-old Michael’s first attempt at the gruelling marathon, the route will be somewhat familiar to Kevin, 44, as he completed the race seven years ago – in an impressive four hours and 48 minutes. The annual event is one of a series of activities being taken on by Wickes staff, after colleagues at the home improvement retailer voted for Alzheimer’s Research UK to become their charity partner.

Throughout the run up to the big day, Kevin and Michael have been busy organising a variety of activities to boost their fundraising totals. As well as charity nights, they have called on the support of their customers by asking them to donate 50p at the till while in store, while local business have also sponsored their running vests. Kevin is eager that all their efforts will help the Birkenhead store to raise at least £20,000 for Alzheimer’s Research UK.

Speaking about the marathon, Kevin said:

“I am now over 40, a bit bigger, a bit slower and a bit less prepared this time round – but I know I will make it across the finish line. Last time, I ran every step of the way and I’m hoping to do the same again. I’ll be interested to see how my time compares to last time! I’m looking forward to the challenge and it’ll hopefully take us closer to our £20,000 fundraising goal. I’m a big fundraiser, I think it’s a brilliant way to engage a team and get them excited by what we are doing, especially when it’s for such a worthy cause like Alzheimer’s Research UK.”

Michael added:

“I’m really excited and slightly nervous as I haven’t managed to do as much training as I would have liked. However, I’m one of those people who gets caught up in the atmosphere and I think the adrenalin will keep me going until the end. We’re doing it for a great charity and we’ve had lots of support from family, friends and customers, so I’m confident we will hit our fundraising target.”

Kate Moss, Corporate Partnerships Officer at Alzheimer’s Research UK, said:

“We couldn’t be more grateful to Kevin and Michael for their efforts in support of our research, and we’ll be wishing them the best of luck on the day of the marathon. There are currently 850,000 people in the UK living with dementia and this number is expected to grow to one million by 2025. The money the team is raising will support crucial resources and equipment for our scientists, helping to bring a life-changing treatment for dementia ever closer.”

To donate to Kevin or Michael please visit their fundraising pages.