Running for Alzheimer’s

Hi! My name is Nico, I’m a year 12 student at Logan Park High School and I’m 16 years old.

This year I am running the Dunedin half marathon on the 12th of September to raise funds for Alzheimers Otago, in honour of my grandma.

Earlier this year, my grandma, who lives in Argentina, was diagnosed with Alzheimer's. Not being able to visit her due to Covid and not being able to communicate with her anymore, as her condition worsened very quickly, has been really tough for me. It made me aware of dementia and Alzheimer’s and the impact of the disease not only on those that suffer from it but on their family and friends.

Here in NZ almost 70,000 Kiwis suffer from dementia and that number is expected to almost triple by 2050. 4 out of 5 New Zealanders know or have known somebody with dementia.

Alzheimers Otago does really meaningful work in the community, providing support, education, information and related services directly to members of the community who are affected by dementia. It would mean the world to me to help out an organisation which does such important work helping those suffering from Alzheimer’s and their families, even just a little.

I think it is fitting that I am doing my first half marathon in honour of my grandma. If you are able to, it would mean a lot if you donated to my run. Thank you :-)