Leeds and Warrington cousins unite to raise vital funds

TWo cousins, one from Leeds, have raised more than £2,500 for dementia research after completing a charity challenge in memory of their late grandparents.
By The Newsroom
Published 23rd Nov 2017, 06:55 BST
Updated 11th Dec 2017, 16:11 BST
TEAM EFFORT: Cath and Jennifer raised over £2,500.TEAM EFFORT: Cath and Jennifer raised over £2,500.
TEAM EFFORT: Cath and Jennifer raised over £2,500.

Jennifer Mehta and Cath Willis were among the top fundraisers for Alzheimer’s Research UK’s Running Down Dementia initiative, which challenges people to run 100km over a six-month period.

The pair were inspired to sign up for the challenge following the death of their grandfather Alf Brown in May from 
a heart attack which they believe was brought on by the stress of caring for their grandmother, Monica, who had Alzheimer’s.

Sadly, around three months later she also passed away.

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Jennifer, from Leeds, and Warrington-based Cath clocked up 330km in total.

Jennifer said: “Our beautiful Grandmother went from being a very strong-willed and feisty lady into a confused, frightened lady who no longer recognised her family.

“Our Grandfather spent the past few years caring for her and unfortunately with failing health himself, he suffered a massive heart attack and passed away.

“We came to realise that Alzheimer’s not only affects the person with the disease, but it has a rippling effect throughout.

“Running Down Dementia was great as it was something we could channel our grief into.

“I felt we were doing something positive.”

This year’s Running Down Dementia raised a total of £247,000.

Related topics:LeedsWarrington