Dr Shelly Allen to run 51km for Alzheimer's charity in memory of late mum
Dr Shelly Allen, senior lecturer in mental health, is running 51km to raise money for the Alzheimer’s Society this Sunday (13 June), in memory of her late mum.
In July 2018, Shelly’s mum died due to vascular dementia at 91 years old. Her health had deteriorated following a fall in 2016.
Shelly decided to enter the Lake District Challenge in 2020, setting a target to raise £2018 to mark the year her mum died.
In the first week £650 was raised with the support of family, friends and colleagues. Shelly felt confident about her endeavour, but unfortunately this was short lived.
In February 2020 at The Grizedale Half Marathon, she tripped and fractured her tibia.
Shelly was devastated, but because of the global pandemic, the Lake District Challenge was postponed until June 2021 and her entry was rolled over.
16 months post-fracture, Shelly is ready to take on the challenge.
She said: “The fact that I have recovered sufficiently enough is testament to the nurses, physiotherapists, radiographers, medics, pharmacists and support staff who assisted my recovery.
“Aside from what this has meant to me personally, it has also caused me to reflect on the importance of what we do in the School of Health & Society. Preparing our students to help meet the health and social care needs of our communities is huge; the difference our students and alumni make is life changing.”
“I have been overwhelmed by messages of support, donations, and shared experiences, all of which makes this Challenge even more important. The money raised will help those who are, or will, experience the impact of dementia and I’m delighted to say the target of £2018 has been exceeded.”
Shelly received a donation of more than £250 from a nursing alumnus and his partner, which she says significantly contributed to the current total raised.
Shelly said: “This highlights the importance of mutual respect, a desire to engage with the experiences of another and relationships being at the heart of what we do here in our School.”
There’s still time to donate to Shelly’s fundraiser and you can keep updated on her Twitter.
Photo: Shelly and her mum.
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