Frankie Ralph's remarkable 100-mile run raises over £30,000 for Alzheimer's charity.
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In a remarkable display of determination and community spirit, Frankie Ralph completed a grueling 100-mile run to raise funds for Alzheimer’s research, inspired by his close friend Michael Dunbar’s battle with Early-onset Familial Alzheimer’s at just 33 years old.
This extraordinary feat took place on January 2, as Frankie ran 33 laps around Lossiemouth, pushing through freezing temperatures and snow.
Overwhelming community support fuels the journey
Starting his run at 4 AM, Frankie was met with a wave of support from friends, family, and even strangers who gathered to cheer him on.
The marathon runner, who had previously completed a maximum of 57 miles, felt overwhelmed by the encouragement he received throughout the day. “It was awesome,” he remarked, noting that many from his running community traveled from as far as Edinburgh to join him on this challenging journey.
As he completed each lap, Frankie received updates on the funds being raised, which served as a significant motivator. “I think people were donating quite a lot while I was on the run,” he shared. His efforts culminated in an impressive total of £2,241 raised on the day, contributing to a staggering online total of over £30,000.
A heartfelt finish and emotional moments
Frankie’s run concluded at the Firth Hotel, where a crowd of over 100 supporters awaited his arrival. The hotel provided complimentary drinks for the runners, and a piper played as Frankie crossed the finish line. “I wasn’t really expecting such an overwhelming turnout,” he admitted, reflecting on the emotional significance of having Michael and his family present at the finish. “It was very special to have them there.”
Michael, who returned to Lossiemouth in 2020 after living in Australia, had been diagnosed with Early-onset Familial Alzheimer’s following a period of memory loss. His mother, Lorraine, expressed immense gratitude for Frankie’s efforts, stating, “100 miles in one day was an incredible challenge which he totally smashed.” She emphasized that every penny raised would go towards the Alzheimer Scotland Research Centre, with hopes of finding a cure for this devastating disease.
The importance of Alzheimer’s research
The Alzheimer Scotland Dementia Research Centre, a collaboration between the charity and the University of Edinburgh, plays a crucial role in investigating the causes and treatment of dementia. It also houses the Scottish Dementia Brain Tissue Bank, which aids in understanding the disease and developing future treatments. Frankie’s run not only highlights the urgent need for research funding but also showcases the power of community in supporting those affected by dementia.
As Frankie reflected on his motivations for the run, he noted the significant deterioration he had observed in Michael over the past year. “I thought that fair enough, I could just do this run for myself. But instead, I could also do it for someone else at the same time,” he stated, emphasizing the personal connection that drove him to undertake such a monumental challenge.
Frankie Ralph’s inspiring journey serves as a reminder of the impact one individual can have in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease, rallying a community together for a cause that affects so many.
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