More than £18,000 has been raised by 250 islanders who took on Dementia Jersey’s 50 Mile Challenge last month.
The challenge, which was sponsored by Ravenscroft, saw those taking part walking over 7,000 miles in total. The money raised will provide a lifeline to the 1,600 people in Jersey living with dementia and help the charity move closer to achieving their vision of a dementia friendly island.
Wendy Buckley, Dementia Jersey Interim CEO, said they were delighted by the amount raised: “A huge thank you to Ravenscroft for being the event’s first ever sponsor and to everyone who participated in the challenge and contributed to the incredible amount raised. It was great to see people take on their own version of the challenge, including one of our activity attendees, Joni, who took 50 bus journeys in January, and 33 Appleby staff members, who incorporated the 50 Mile Challenge with their internal ‘Jog into January’ initiative.
“Dementia is the fastest growing disease on the island, and demand for our services continues to grow. Without the support and generosity of islanders, we simply could not do what we do. We truly are so grateful.”
The challenge, set up by one of the charity’s key fundraisers and volunteers, Simone Sains, has become one of Dementia Jersey’s most successful annual challenges.
Christa Roberts, 50 Mile Challenge participant, said: “I chose to do the challenge this year in memory of my Aunt and everyone else who has been affected by dementia in some way. January involved many runs and walks in the rain, hail, gale-force winds, and even flooding! All of which just added to the challenge. The best part about the 50 Mile Challenge was that it brought me together with fellow runners and friends to share time outside in a positive headspace whilst doing something to raise money for a very worthy charity.”
Haydn Taylor, managing director of Ravenscroft in Jersey, said the challenge had been a great one to be involved with: “As well as sponsoring the event, we also had Ravenscroft staff taking part. It was a great challenge to start the year and we’re thrilled that so much has been raised. Dementia is the fastest growing disease in Jersey and so as demand increases for their services and support so does the need to raise funds. Congratulations to everyone who braved the weather and a huge thank you for the support given to Dementia Jersey.”
To find out more about how you can support Dementia Jersey and get involved in any future challenges, visit here.
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