We have been amazed by the creative ways people are coming up with to keep active during these unprecedented and troubling times.
Our own Sponsored Event Fundraiser and Hlpline volunteer, Isabel Quinn, had planned on conquering the mighty Kilimanjaro for her husbands 40th birthday and had been training hard by climbing 2 or 3 Munros a month. Unfortunately the coronavirus pandemic and subsequent lockdown has meant the trip has had to be postponed and has impacted on her training.
Not one to lose momentum, Isabel thought “if I can’t go to the mountain, then the mountain will come to me."
Having been inspired by a friend and colleague Isabel climbed her stairs 102 times, to the height of Conic Hill. That is approximately 5500 steps in 40 minutes!
"Before the challenge I felt a bit apprehensive and nervous but afterwards I felt a real sense of achievement and proud of myself – albeit very tired! I think it’s really important to stay active and keep moving right now even if it’s the last thing on our minds and setting myself targets like this helps me do that"
Isabel has been volunteering on our 24 hour Freephone Dementia Helpline since December and has seen a large increase on the number of calls coming in and a shift in the types of problems facing our callers due to the coronavirus. Social isolation during lockdown is a real challenge for people living with dementia and many will find it impossible to access the support and services they usually rely on. It costs just £10 an hour to operate our helpline so we can be there for people living with dementia and their loved ones so that no one feels alone at this difficult time.
Thank you Isabel, we salute you!
You too can sign up to your own virtual event and support Alzheimer Scotland: Do it for Dementia
If you would like to support Isabel in her fundraising mission, visit her page: Isabel's fundraising page