Charles Young, Chief Executive of local charity Greenock Medical Aid Society, has entered three of the Great Runs series to fundraise in support of the Society’s project to create a more dementia-friendly environment at its Bagatelle and Glenfield care homes. The three Great Runs series that Charles has entered are the newly introduced Great Edinburgh 10 mile Run in April, the Great North Run Half Marathon in September and the Great Scottish Run Half Marathon in early October.
Charles said “The Society is continuing to make a significant financial investment in Bagatelle and Glenfield to create a more dementia-friendly environment that will benefit residents for years to come. The project started last year and has been further extended in light of new research findings from the Dementia Centre at Stirling University. Along with Managers from Bagatelle and Glenfield, we visited the Dementia Centre to hear from the research team how their findings could be implemented in both homes”.
Charles added “The reason why I am fundraising for the Society is that its main income source is from its Board income, but this only covers its operational costs and leaves no money for further financial investment. Both homes are therefore very reliant on the support and goodwill of its Life Members, resident’s family members, the local community and local businesses who generously donate to the Society through legacies, donations and support for its fundraising events. I hope my efforts in these three high profile running events will generate sponsorship that will go towards the cost of this worthwhile project as well as helping to further raise the profile of the good work of the Society in supporting and caring for the residents of Bagatelle and Glenfield”.
Charles said that he has been running for just over 20 years, initially to keep fit but quickly found that running is also a great stress buster. After a run, even a short 15 to 20 minute run, you feel great and relaxed. Charles added that it’s interesting how many runners feel these same benefits which are most likely down to a mixture of being out in natural daylight, out in the open air and a lift in endorphins.
Charles said that he is really looking forward to participating in all three Great Runs which are usually broadcast live on TV. At these high profile runs, the crowds always turn out along the entire route and give you tremendous support and encouragement. The atmosphere generated by the thousands of spectators at the start is always electric and also at the finish.
Sponsorship can be handed in to either Bagatelle or Glenfield or posted to Greenock Medical Aid Society’s Admin Office at 47 Eldon Street, Greenock PA16 7RA.