Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
CHARITY TREK FROM PARADISE TO MERSEYSIDE PEOPLE LIVING WITH DEMENTIA WILL NEVER WALK ALONE
Football fan’s marathon journey has passed his cash goal
A Coatbridge man will next week embark on a gigantic crossborder walk to raise funds for Alzheimer Scotland.
Brian Ellis, 28, will begin the mammoth task of completing the 208-mile journey from Celtic Park to Anfield stadium next Saturday in memory of the grandmother of his fiancee Paula, who suffered from the disease before she died.
Painter and decorator Brian had set a fundraising target of £1000 but, with the walk still 10 days away, has surpassed his target.
Celtic fan Brian hopes to raise as much as possible to show sufferers and relatives that they will never walk alone.
He told the Advertiser: “Sarah, my fiancee’s nana, suffered from Alzheimers and it’s the only reason I’ve ever heard of it or understand it.
“Every year I try and do something for a different charity but this will be my biggest challenge yet.
“I think I’m ready for it. I’m doing it with my friend John Paul Cope and we’ll be up at 6am every morning over the week.
“We’ll be walking around 30 miles each day and the whole family have done well, gathering sponsors and showing their appreciation.
“I’ve heard a few stories about what it’s like to see someone deteriorate with dementia and it sounds horrible.
“I want people to know that if they are being affected by this that you’ll never walk alone.”
Paula will pick Brian and John Paul up in Liverpool once their expedition has ended and Brian said one thing in particular will see him through the gruelling battle.
He said: “Paula is picking us up in time to get back for the Ricky Burns fight on the Saturday.
“I love watching him and it’s great to see a Coatbridge boy doing so well.”
The next dementia cafe at Airdrie’s One Wellynd takes place next week.
Run by charity Alzheimer Scotland, the gathering is open to people with dementia and their carers, giving them the opportunity to enjoy a“brew and a blether”.
The event runs from 1pm to 2.30pm on Monday. For details call Lorna Hart-Thomson on 01698 539790.