On 31st December 2020 Euan Bruce, aged 11, completed his 12-month running challenge for Alzheimer Scotland in honour of his Gran.

Euan made the decision in January 2020 to lace up his trainers and set an ambitious challenge to run 300 miles throughout the year. By February, Euan already had 38 miles under his belt and over £760 in donations. Staying completely committed to the cause Euan even took his running shoes with him on his school ski trip.

When the pandemic hit and Scotland entered lockdown, no one would have blamed Euan for losing motivation, especially as he hoped to take part in various organised running events which had to be cancelled. This however did not stop Euan from pushing on with his challenge and he continued to run within his local area of Insch, Aberdeenshire.

Euan’s inspiration to join TeamAlzScot began after seeing the impact of his Gran’s diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease when she was only 62 years old.

With an initial target of £300 to match his 300 mile running target, Euan well exceeded expectations and over 2020 his donations mounted up to a staggering £3,000.

Euan Bruce runner
Photo credit: Aberdeen Journals

Euan and his family were hoping to finish on a high surrounded by friends and family but due to further lockdown measures these plans were put on hold. Instead, Euan’s local neighbourhood came out to support his final leg of the challenge to give him the finish he deserves.

Euan told us:

 “I am really pleased that I managed to complete the challenge. The hardest part was during the main lockdown when I was just running myself and couldn’t meet up with any friends at my running club. I also missed the challenge of events as I love the competition in them. The best bit was being able to share the last km’s via video chat with family in Glasgow and friends and neighbours who came out to cheer me on. I am really amazed that my total reached £3000 when originally, I thought I would only get £300.  Hopefully this will be able to help a lot more people now”.

Julia, Euan’s mum also told us that he is a rugby fan and hopes to run a few miles alongside rugby player Chris Laidlaw later this year when restrictions allow, who is undertaking 12 marathons in 2021 for Alzheimer Scotland. 

Due to delays because of the pandemic, Euan was presented with his fundraising cheque in November 2021 at our Edinburgh Office.

Euan and Sarah cheque
Euan being presented with his cheque by Stakeholder Engagement Leader Sarah Cheung

 

Thanks to dedicated young supporters like Euan Alzheimer Scotland can continue being there for people living with dementia now and beyond the pandemic.

If you know an inspirational young person looking to take on a fundraising challenge of their own, get in touch with our friendly team today for support or visit our Challenge Yourself, Change Dementia page for inspiration.

Euan Bruce Trophy