Three weeks ago Will Dean from Shrewsbury completed the London Marathon, and whilst most people would take a well earned break and hang up their running shoes for a few weeks, Will decided to do the exact opposite and take on seven marathons in seven days during #DementiaActionWeek.
23 year old Will is hoping to play an active part in helping to end the heartbreak of dementia by fundraising for Alzheimer’s Research this week. Starting with his first marathon on Monday 15 May, Will is running a marathon a day for seven consecutive days. His first six marathons will be in Shrewsbury, and the final marathon this coming Sunday 22 May will take place in North Wales.
This epic challenge is the latest in a series of Will’s fundraising efforts for Alzheimer’s Research UK. His previous challenges have included climbing Mt Everest on the staircase at home during lockdown in under 24 hours and running the Jurassic Coast 100km ultramarathon.
The cause is very close to Will’s heart as his mother lives with Young Onset Alzheimer’s disease, initially diagnosed at the age 49.
”Dementia is a terrible thing and it is also misunderstood as many still think its only old people who develop it. My mum was diagnosed at 49 years old and this is currently a disease with no cure” Will explains.
“The reality is that I could be carrying the gene which would mean I will develop this disease at an early age too, stealing years of my life and the memories and moments that have shaped my identity. My hope is that this challenge will raise vital funds for research that will one day find a cure.”
Tomorrow morning, Will is running the final 3 miles of his 6th marathon at the Shrewsbury Park Run in the Quarry at approximately 9am, and he would love for you to join him.
You can pledge your support for Will’s seven marathons in seven days through his JustGiving Page.
Simply click on the link or visit: https://www.justgiving.com/page/will-dean-7-marathons