Hundreds of runners help raise cash for local dementia services

Published: Thursday, 17th May 2018

Run, Walk or Push against Dementia returned to Knole Park for a second time and sprinted to victory after some 450 participants raised money for local dementia services on Sunday 13 May.

Residents from all over the District and beyond turned out in full force to take on one of the timed 3, 5 or 10 kilometre helped by perfect weather conditions.

Sevenoaks District Council worked in partnership with the Sevenoaks Area Dementia Friendly Community to organise the event, as the spirit of the day was fully embraced with residents running the course alongside their families, with their dogs and even pushing youngsters along in pushchairs.

The event, working in partnership with the Sevenoaks Chronicle, will have once again raised thousands of pounds for the Sevenoaks Area Dementia Friendly Community who will use the money to fund local dementia services and projects. 

Competitors of all abilities were welcomed on the day but it was Martin Cornwell-McKeown who made it round first on the 10k course, Stephen Yau quickest on the 5k course and Alice Daniell finishing first on the 3k course.

Sevenoaks District Chairman, Cllr Larry Abraham who was on hand at the finish line to give out the medals, says: “Once again we are overwhelmed with such an incredible turnout on the day and seeing so many people passionately getting involved and doing their bit for such an important cause.

“This event really is for everyone, of any age, any size and any species as I was very pleased to see so many canine companions this year!

“Dementia is something that will affect everyone in one way or another and I think that shows with the amount of people who joined us. They should all be very proud of what they achieved this weekend.”

Elaine Ferris who co-chairs the Sevenoaks Area Dementia Friendly Community with Symone Salman, added: “We were delighted to work with Sevenoaks District Council again this year and deliver a glitch free family fun event that shows the support of the community is behind us.”

Photos from the event and participants’ timings can be viewed at www.sevenoaks.gov.uk/runwalkpush