Incredible supporter braves Ben Nevis and raises £15,815 for Alzheimer Scotland
Alzheimer Scotland continue to be blown away by the generosity of our supporters and their loved ones. One recent fundraiser, Ross McNamee set his sights high to conquer Ben Nevis.
Ross’ inspiration is his mother Angie, who has been living with Alzheimer’s Disease for 10 years. Angie received her diagnosis in her late 40’s and Ross was only 13 years old at the time, but despite only being a young teenager Ross adjusted in order to care for his mother during a difficult and uncertain time.
Ross told us, “anyone who knows me knows how close I was to my mum and how much of a character she was. She would make everyone laugh and smile wherever she went, she really was one of a kind and had so much more life to give.”
Understandably Ross told us that watching his mother live with dementia has been “the most heart-breaking thing in the world and it has robbed me of even having so much as a conversation with her.”
Angie’s dementia has progressed to a stage where she sadly no longer recognises Ross as her son and relies on care services.
Ross is determined to raise funds and awareness of dementia in the hope that nobody has to go through the experiences Angie and Ross have lived through in the future. Speaking of the support Angie receives Ross explains, “my mum receives care which would not be possible if it wasn’t for organisations such as Alzheimer Scotland which I will be forever grateful for.”
On the day of Ross’ climb messages of support poured in from friends and family, but also strangers on social media who had read his story; many who share a similar experience of a loved one living with dementia. Ross was overwhelmed by the response:
“It was more than I ever imagined so there was a lot of mixed emotions as I couldn’t have been happier with what me and my friends achieved but at the same time, I was a bit emotional.”
Taking part in an Alzheimer Scotland virtual challenge is a great opportunity to support people living with dementia in Scotland and you can bring your own event idea to life.
Ross previously took part in Alzheimer Scotland’s Memory Walk two years in a row and was ready to push himself further both physically and with his fundraising ambitions.
Alzheimer Scotland are so grateful to Ross for his support and his incredible efforts which have raised £15,815.00. These funds will support our services across Scotland, our 24 hour Freephone Helpline (0808 808 3000), Dementia Advisors, Nurses and vital research.
Follow in Ross’ footsteps and create your very own challenge with TeamAlzScot. Click here to Do it for Dementia