Employees of insurance giant
AXA are aiming to run thousands of miles to raise funds for Alzheimer’s Research UK.
The insurance workers will be clocking up 23,299 miles at weekly parkrun events, with employees from across the AXA offices being encouraged to attend local sessions throughout 2017.
Tony Roberts, a 51-year-old test analyst at AXA’s office in Ipswich, is leading the fundraising challenge, hoping to get at least 200 colleagues from across the company.
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“The event is not about who can run the fastest or travel the furthest distance, it is about getting involved and doing something good for a fantastic cause,” Roberts was quoted as saying in a story posted on Alzheimer’s Research UK’s website.
“I’m very passionate about the work of Alzheimer’s Research UK, which is why I jumped at the chance to organise an event to help,” he added. “Reducing the risk of dementia is incredibly important and this challenge is the perfect fit, as those who take part are improving their own health, while also funding research to hopefully save future generations from this devastating condition.”
Roberts is considered as the 12th fastest 800-metre runner in the UK for his age group. He will keep track of the miles covered by the AXA employees to ensure that they reach their ambitious target by the end of 2017.
Alzheimer’s Research UK, which drives studies focusing on prevention, diagnosis and treatments for dementia, thanked the AXA employees for their help.
“Not only will the money raised help Alzheimer’s Research UK to invest in potentially life-changing research, but those taking part could be reducing their own risk of developing dementia by keeping active,” said Vicky Naylor, corporate partnerships officer at Alzheimer’s Research UK.
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