A local care expert from Bluebird Care Shropshire, Claire Flavell, has raised more than £400 for Alzheimer’s Society by taking part in the Great North Run.
The charity, which works to support those affected by dementia and funds research for a cure, is one close to the hearts of many at the local Bluebird Care home care provider.
Despite not having run a half marathon in eight years, Claire was determined to take on the challenge for a cause she feels deeply about.
In Shropshire Telford and Wrekin, it is estimated that over 7,000 people are living with dementia, a number that continues to rise as the population ages.
Claire and the team at Bluebird Care Shropshire work with hundreds of people with dementia and their families across the Shropshire area, helping them to stay well and safe at home.
The funds raised by Claire will go towards helping Alzheimer’s Society continue its vital work, supporting those impacted by dementia while advancing their research in search of a cure.
With 60,000 participants running the iconic 13-mile course from Newcastle to South Shields, the event was filled with excitement and support, including the traditional chants of “Oggy! Oggy! Oggy!” from the crowd.
The Bluebird Care Shropshire team have said they are immensely proud of Claire’s achievement and dedication to supporting those living with dementia.
Speaking about her achievement, Claire Flavell, Director of Care at Bluebird Care Shropshire said:
“The Great North Run was tough, but it was an incredible experience. I haven’t done a half marathon in years, so to get back out there and run for such an important cause was really special. Alzheimer’s Society does amazing work, not just in terms of research but also in supporting families who are living with dementia every day. I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who donated and helped me raise money – it will make a real difference to people in Shropshire and beyond. Every step was worth it.”
But the team at Bluebird Care Shropshire didn’t stop with Claire’s impressive run. Last week, they also raised a further £117 by collectively travelling 113 miles on exercise bikes and a treadmill. This additional fundraising effort with the whole team, covered the distance between their local office and their nearest Bluebird Care franchise in Cheshire East!
The events were part of the national Bluebird Care network’s effort to raise £50,000 for the charity over the next year. The fundraising partnership, which is supported by renowned choreographer and Alzheimer’s Society Ambassador Dame Arlene Phillips DBE, aims to support the vital work the charity does for those living with dementia and their families in communities across the UK.