Teacher United against Dementia runs Swansea Half for Alzheimer’s Society Cymru

A reception teacher from Gowerton, Swansea has taken up the challenge of running for Alzheimer’s Society Cymru in the Swansea Half Marathon, 25 June since learning of her grandmother’s diagnosis of dementia.

Rachel Hellier, 25, aims to raise more than £250 by encouraging supporters to donate to her JustGiving page to help the charity. On the day, Rachel will be holding a collection point before and after the marathon.

Rachel said: “I have decided to take part in this challenge for Alzheimer’s Society Cymru because I have seen the effect that this condition has on my grandmother.”

“I have completed the first Swansea Half Marathon back in 2014 but I haven’t undertaken any running until now for Alzheimer’s Society Cymru. It’s great to know  I’ll be raising funds to help support people living with dementia and to ultimately fund research to find a cure for dementia.”

Alzheimer’s Society Cymru’s Community Fundraiser for South West Wales, Chris Stokes, was delighted with Rachel’s decision to help raise money for the charity; “It’s wonderful that Rachel is giving her time to support Alzheimer’s Society Cymru. Someone develops dementia every three minutes and too many are facing it alone, without adequate support. We urgently need to find a cure, improve care and offer help and understanding for people affected. Dementia is set to be the 21st century’s biggest killer and will affect us all. Dementia devastates lives, but dementia won’t win. Until the day we find a cure, we will be here for anyone affected by dementia; wherever they are, whatever they’re going through. We need more people like Rachel to join us now and unite against dementia.”

Alzheimer’s Society is here for everyone who is affected by dementia and urges everyone to come together and unite against dementia. Unite now at alzheimers.org.uk

To sponsor Rachel, please visit her JustGiving page: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/rachhellier25