Running 100km in just 13 hours to raise $8,000 for Dementia Australia
When Josh Duncan, a business development manager at Ubank, was told his mother Jenny had been diagnosed with early-onset dementia at the age of 61, he just not stand idly by.
He decided to run 100km in one day to raise funds for Dementia Australia and set a $2,000 fund raising goal.
Duncan set out on 18 February from Caddies Creek Reserve, Beaumont Hills, in Sydney’s northwest, alongside his team – Ubank colleague Timothy McKenzie, Resimac’s Rodney Cottam, Bridgit’s Nik Thurgood, and James Brett. The target was to conquer the winding 10km path 10 times.
After 13 gruelling hours, Duncan finished his run, achieving a remarkable feat of both physical and mental endurance. In doing so, he raised more than $8,000 for Dementia Australia, exceeding his initial goal.
“It’s hard to put into words what I went through and the amazing support I received from people from all walks of life,” said Duncan.
“When I finished, I was super emotional, sense of pride and gratitude for the people around me and who supported the fundraiser and joined me on the day.”
With a growing ageing population, it is predicted that the estimated number of Australians living with dementia will more than double by 2058 to around 850,000 people.
“Dementia is a cruel disease, one where you mourn the person who is still alive as they are not themselves anymore, and anything I can raise will help. If I can help one person this will be a win.”
While he has already exceeded his expectations, Duncan has set a new target, aiming to reach $10,000, and is still accepting donations.
He urged industry leaders to consider donating to his Dementia Australia page: Run for Jenny.
“You can even host your own event like I did or run in one of Dementia Australia’s upcoming marathons,” he said. “There’s plenty of ways to get involved, give back, and support a worthy cause.”