AN energetic Alvechurch man who challenged himself to his first ever marathon at the age of 40 has crossed the finish line – bagging £1,500 for charity.
Phil Shaw, who works for E.ON, successfully completed the Birmingham International Marathon in aid of Alzheimer’s Society last weekend, raising £1,500 for the cause.
Phil decided to challenge himself for his fortieth birthday, running for E.ON’s official charity partner to help those affected by Alzheimer’s and dementia – a cause very close to his heart.
“Last year, my children and I did the Memory Walk for Alzheimer’s Society and had a great time. This year, I decided to step up the pace a little,” he said.
“I thought I’d challenge myself for my 40th birthday to train for my first marathon and raise even more money for this amazing charity. I’m absolutely thrilled to have done it.
“My father suffers from Parkinson’s disease, which has very strong links to dementia, and I’ve also seen many families I know be affected by Alzheimer’s and so I felt very strongly about raising money for the amazing work that Alzheimer’s Society does. All of the money I’ve raised is going to Alzheimer’s Society’s Dementia Support Workers who make such a fantastic difference.”
Dementia Support Workers provide support, information and guidance to people affected by dementia to help maintain their independence, improving their sense of wellbeing and putting them more in control of their lives. They assist people affected by dementia to identify their needs and access to services.
