BRACE - Raising money for research into dementia

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Virgin London Marathon

On Sunday 25 April we had a number of runners pounding the streets of London in the London Marathon which this year was sponsored for the first time by Virgin.

BRACE is grateful for the time and energy spent by all the runners in training for and taking part in the marathon and we hope their efforts will be rewarded by generous sponsorship. We will report further in due course.

Here is a report of the experience of some of our runners in 2009:

Andrew Cleaver, Director of Lower School Music at Clifton High School was one of our Golden Bond runners. The day after the London Marathon we received an email from him saying, “ALL DONE – in 4 hours and 43 minutes (a lot harder than I thought). I am at work aching badly!!!!!!” Andrew reached his £2,000 sponsorship target and enjoyed the pain so much that he has entered via the public ballot for next year’s marathon!

Marty Rodway originally had one of our Golden Bond places for the London Marathon in 2008 but had to pull out due to injury, and his place was deferred to this year’s marathon. Marty said “I managed to do it in 4 hours 50 minutes without stopping, which is amazing considering I had a knee operation in December for the injury I sustained training for last year's marathon. Even just before the run I was doubting my ability to do it, but I couldn't let BRACE down again.” With his employer match giving the amount Marty raised in sponsorship, a brilliant total of £2,540 came to BRACE.

Another Golden Bond runner, Dave Harris said, “I was delighted to complete the 2009 London Marathon with a finishing time of 3 hours 46 minutes. It was a very hot day and cramp at about mile 23 didn’t help to say the least! My legs were like lead afterwards but it was all worthwhile. A great day and the crowds were amazing, cheering us on all the way.” Dave works for Torpedoes IPT at the MoD, Abbeywood and through many generous sponsors raised £2,503.

Ian Volans had secured his own place in the London Marathon and ran in aid of BRACE for his Mum who was diagnosed as suffering from Alzheimer’s about 18 months ago. Ian says “Sadly, it’s too late for Mum to benefit from any of the research currently underway into Alzheimer’s and dementia. However, investment in research today will provide hope for future sufferers and their families.” Ian reached the finish line in 3 hours 46 minutes and raised £1,598 in sponsorship.

Lorrel Staton was running in the marathon in memory of her granddad who suffered from Alzheimer’s for many years and sadly passed away nearly two years ago. Lorrel raised £1485 sponsorship and said of the day, “Well, I did it!!! What a great day/atmosphere/experience I had. I really, really enjoyed it, apart from the aching legs that is, but that will pass and I can look back on this achievement with pride.”