Lancashire lawyer Holly Gethin is on track to raise £2,500 for Dementia UK by running this year’s London Marathon.
Holly, a solicitor specialising in elderly client services at WHN Solicitors’ Bury office, hopes to complete the 26.2 mile course through the streets of the capital on April 28.
Holly, aged 33, who comes from Bury and lives in Ainsworth, has currently received £2,180 in sponsorship pledges.
She is supporting Dementia UK for personal and professional reasons. Both her grandads have suffered with the disease – one sadly passed away in 2017 – and the other was recently diagnosed.
Professionally, she regularly helps clients and their families who have been affected by dementia. She is a member of Solicitors for the Elderly, as well as a student member of the Society of Trusts and Estate Practitioners (STEP).
Holly said: “Dementia is the biggest health threat facing society today and there are currently no effective treatments to slow, prevent or cure it. Symptoms include confusion, memory loss and personality changes, which can be very difficult for the patient as well as their loved ones. However, with the right support scientists are making discoveries that will change lives in the future and enable sufferers to lead more fulfilling lives.
“My family, like many others, have been affected by dementia and so it’s a charity very close to my heart.”
Holly, who is a member of Ramsbottom Running Club, started a training programme in January and has run two half marathons recently. One in Blackpool and most recently Wilmslow, where she chalked up a personal best of 1 hour 55 minutes and 9 seconds. Her track record also includes completing the Great North Run half marathon in 2013.
Holly added: “I have always wanted to do the London Marathon as my mum has done it twice. I’ve applied five times – every year since doing the Great North Run – but have never been lucky enough to make the starting line until this year when I opted for a charity place and was accepted by Dementia UK.”
Anyone who wants to sponsor Holly can do so via her JustGiving link at: https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/HollyGethin
