RUNNERS in Worcester are being invited to help defeat dementia by turning their run times at the city’s parkrun into donations to Alzheimer’s Research UK – parkrun’s official charity partner.
Alzheimer’s Research UK has joined forces with parkrun – the organisation that puts on free, weekly, timed 5km runs at 350 locations across the UK, including one at Worcester Woods Country Park.
The partnership aims to promote exercise as a way of reducing the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, increase public understanding of the condition and boost funds for crucial research.
To take part fitness enthusiasts simply need to complete a parkrun in Worcester on Saturday (October 10) or the following three Saturdays.
They will then receive a results email with a ‘donate your time’ link encouraging them to donate their time – such as contributing £20 for a 20-minute run – or any other amount they choose.
Alzheimer’s Research UK hopes to raise £100,000 towards dementia research through the scheme.
Ian Wilson, director of fundraising at the charity, said: “With 850,000 people affected by dementia in the UK, including nearly 9,000 people across Worcestershire, we urgently need more investment in research to take us a step closer to defeating dementia.
“We rely on public support, including the fantastic parkrun community, to fund our pioneering work and we hope parkrunners help fight back against dementia by digging deep throughout October.
“We’re extremely proud of our association with parkrun – a similarly innovative, forward-thinking and ambitious movement – and excited to see what we can achieve together over the coming years.
“Donate your time is a simple way for the parkrun community to back vital dementia research. By converting their finish time into a donation to our work, parkrunners can join a movement of people helping to end the fear, harm and heartbreak of dementia.
“We will have charity representatives at over 100 parkrun locations for the donate your time launch on Saturday, October 10, including Worcester Woods Country Park.
“Our message is simple – research has the power to transform lives."
For more information visit alzheimersresearchuk.org/parkrun
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