Going on the run for Alzheimer’s Research
LIKE MANY during lockdown, solicitor Adam Gross bought himself some new trainers with the intention of improving his fitness regime.
But the Mill Hill 41-year-old’s plans to do “a bit of running” were quickly transformed into a 100k ultra marathon from London to Brighton to raise money for Alzheimer’s Research UK — his father was diagnosed with the condition three years ago.
The challenge will also involve his brother Jamie and their friend Greg Lain, whose mother also has Alzheimer’s. They have already raised £10,000 in advance of the challenge at the end of the month.
Speaking about his father’s condition, Adam Gross said: “At first, we started to notice subtle things.
“Quite quickly we realised we had to get him help, which was difficult as a family to get our heads around. It isn’t something that gets better. It only gets worse and the deterioration is hard to watch.”
Added his brother, a 43-year-old doctor: “We are a small family and have had no choice but to learn by experience with how to cope.”
Having “never run more than 10k” before, once Adam decided he wanted to attempt the 100k, he set about encouraging his brother and friend to join him to maximise the fundraising potential.
His brother had taken some convincing.
V“He told me I was mad and I had no idea what was involved.
“Greg was much easier to convince for some reason.”
Bushey-based Mr Lain said he was a longstanding friend of Adam.
“My mum was diagnosed ten years ago so we both know what it is like. My mum is looked after by my dad but he has cancer. It is not easy for them.”
The trio have been maintaining a rigorous training regime — they completed a 50k run in the Chilterns a few weeks ago — juggling it around work and family commitments.
“I’ve been combining runs with high intensity workouts,” Jamie explained. “Because of lockdown it has been difficult to train together so we have been doing it apart — but doing similar things.”
They have been recording a video diary on YouTube, talking about the impact of the disease on a day-to-day basis.
“We weren’t expecting to raise more than £1,800 but I think people have really connected to what we are trying to do and have found it helpful hearing what we talk about,” Adam explained.
They have been touched by the many messages of support, particularly from those in similar situations.
“It is not something you tend to talk about openly but there are people out there who say ‘thank you, you’re describing what I’ve been through’ and that gives us motivation,” Jamie pointed out. The money raised will be used by the charity for research towards a cure.
“If we can do anything to help other families going through it, then it will have been worth it,” Adam concluded.
https://justgiving.com/fundraising/ easiersaidthanrun123