A triple fundraising challenge

Mark's story

In the past few years I seem to know more and more people who have been affected by dementia.

Most recently, both a close relative and a neighbour lost a loved one to dementia, and the impact on the families is huge.

I’ve raised money for various charities over the years, but this year I wanted to support the work of Alzheimer Scotland.

I’m 58 now and I’ve always been quite a fit and active person, so I wanted to choose something that would really challenge me. I thought that the more difficult it was, the more it might encourage people to donate.

That’s when I decided to do three big events in one month – starting with the Ben Nevis Race, where I’d walk/run almost nine miles up and down Britain’s highest mountain. Two weeks later was the Highland Fling Ultramarathon, where I ran just over half of the West Highland Way in just under 13 hours. Finally, a week after that, was the House of Dun Duathlon, where I ran and cycled across almost 18 miles.

It was probably the most challenging thing I’ve ever done, and made all the more difficult by the fact I hadn’t long recovered from a serious ankle injury. My fundraising goal started at £750 but as more people shared it across social media, I increased it to £1,000 and then £1,500. We’re now sitting at £1,865 which is fantastic.

It was tough having three big events so close together, but seeing generous donations come in really helped keep me going. I’m so grateful to everyone who’s contributed. My goal was just to get to the finish lines, rather than going fast, and I’m really proud to have made it through all three events.

I couldn’t have done it without the support of friends and family, especially my wife Ann-Marie who’s been very patient with me and the many hours I’ve spent training.

Every penny raised really does count and I hope that it goes some way to helping Alzheimer Scotland continue to help people affected by dementia, whether it’s by giving information and guidance, or supporting families caring for someone living with the condition.

You can support Mark’s fundraising by clicking the button below to visit his Just Giving page.