RETIREES from Great Alne are proving age is no barrier – when it comes to messing about on the river.
Residents from Great Alne Park retirement village will be taking part in a dragon boat race on Saturday June 17 in Edgbaston to raise funds for the Alzheimer’s Society.
The 14 residents, aged between 70 and 81, will be going head-to-head with a host of other teams, with the hopes of raising £1,000 for the charity.
The idea to take part in a dragon boat race originated from 80-year-old Great Alne Park resident David Aspinall.
Recognising the opportunity to create an unforgettable event while supporting a worthy cause, David approached the village’s Wellbeing Navigator, Tania Skerrit, with the idea of organising a charity race.
He said: “As a member of the Edgbaston Convention Rotary Club Birmingham, I’m proud to be involved in organising the dragon boat race to support the Alzheimer’s Society. Those taking part are encouraged to wear fancy dress and a prize will be awarded to the best-dressed team. It will be a great day out and we’re pleased to have the support of Inspired Villages for this very worthy cause.”
There are currently estimated to be 900,000 people in the UK with dementia. Many are undiagnosed and facing the realities of their condition alone. Alzheimer’s Society provides vital help to people living with dementia and their carers through virtual and face-to-face support, as well as funding life-changing research projects.
