Please take the time to read the press release below. I am currently looking for businesses to support my pledge. Between us we can make a difference.
Cannock businessman Simon Talbot last year ran the London marathon in memory of his dad who died of Alzheimers 2 years ago. He managed to raise £5500 for the Society and is prepared to do it all over again to try and help others.
The father-of-two from Hednesford is in training to run the gruelling 26-mile race on April 25th 2010 to raise money for the Alzheimer’s Society in memory of his father, Derek, who died in January 2008 after a seven year battle with Alzheimer’s.
“Last year I really wanted to do the marathon in memory of my Dad and to try and help others, I wouldn’t want anyone else to see what my Dad went through, it’s terrible to see anyone with Alzheimer’s and even worse when it’s someone close to you. It was a very long and tiring 26 miles but I feel it is for a very worthwhile course and am more than willing to put myself through it again” he said.
His father, a plumber who worked for Cannock Chase District Council and Meynell Valves in Wolverhampton, died aged 64 after being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in August 2001.
Derek, a father-of-two and grandfather-of-five, of Hednesford, gradually lost his power of speech and memory. A seizure in 2006 left him bed ridden for the last two-and-a-half years of his life, during which he was dependent on nursing care in a home, unable to communicate or feed himself.
“It’s a terrible thing to see someone you love withering away with Alzheimer’s,” said Simon who runs Kazoo printers in Bridgtown, Cannock.
“It’s not like any other disease, it’s difficult to know how to help someone, Dad looked like he was in pain sometimes but because he couldn’t talk to us we just didn’t know what he was thinking or feeling.
“I wanted to run the London marathon last year to raise as much money as possible to try and make a difference and help others and would love to do the same again.
“The prediction is that in less than 20 years time nearly a million people will have dementia and 1.7 million by 2051. That means almost everyone will either have dementia or know someone who does,” added Simon.
“It’s something we need to take action about, I just want to raise awareness of what having dementia means and help the Alzheimer’s Society work for a cure and improve the care of people with Alzheimer’s.
To sponsor Simon or give a donation email simon@kazoopsg.com, or phone 01543 466311 or call in at Kazoo, 3 & 4 Exchange Industrial Estate, Bridgtown, Cannock
For further details please contact Simon Talbot on 01543 466311 or email simon@kazoopsg.com
Thank you
