Care home worker raises ten times more than expected for charity run

Richard Hollands, 43, has raised more than £1,000 for the Alzheimer’s Society, despite setting off with an initial target of only £100.

Richard, who lives in Eastbourne, was first exposed to the effects of Dementia, which affects one in six people over the age of 80, when he started working as a customer relations advisor for Parris Lawn Care Home in Lewes.

With a background in customer service, he took the job as a chance to explore the world of care work, and was shocked to discover the impact dementia can have.

He said: “What they go through is just horrible. They can look very lost, they are frail and weak. I wouldn’t wish it on anyone.”

The challenge is part of The Alzheimer’s Society’s Jog On Dementia campaign, which asks volunteers to raise money by running the distance of a marathon over the course of a month.

Buoyed by his success, Richard is hoping to double his fund-raising total before the month is out, despite the potential physical challenge.

He said: “Running really isn’t my thing. The most I’ve run is about five or six miles, so to do so much more than that in such a short space of time is very challenging. But, as challenging as this is, it’s nothing compared to what the people who live with dementia go through.”

Richard also hopes his efforts will spread awareness of -and communicate his appreciation for-the hard work of nurses at care homes like Parris Lawn. He said: “In a way, me doing this is my way of saying ‘thank you’ for all the hard work they do.”

To help Richard meet his new goals and raise money for The Alzheimer’s Society visit his fund-raising page.

To find out more about Dementia, which affects a new person every three minutes, and to sign up for the Jog On Dementia campaign, visit the Alzheimer’s Society website.