Hello everyone and thank you for visiting my Just Giving web page.

Originally I'm a third generation seafarer from Glasgow. For several decades I crewed motor yachts as a perpetual globetrotter and experienced life's great variety in more countries than an octopus could shake eight salty sticks at. Recently I returned to Scotland to get my land legs back and made Ullapool my home. It's a beautiful place to live, nestling between the west coast sea and mountains I've loved since childhood.

Initially I became aware of dementia's nature and challenges as my grandfather in nearby Inverness lived with the condition. An abiding daily highlight of cruising at sea for both of us was watching the dolphins suddenly appear around the boat, play in the bow wave for a joyous moment and then vanish again in to the depths. Hence I was naturally drawn to support the Dolphin Arts Project when I heard its name was inspired by a local fisherman with dementia. He so aptly observed "My memory is like a dolphin. It comes and goes."

The Dolphin Arts Project is a creative arts programme supporting Ullapudlians living with dementia. The group meets every week with their carers and friends for activities inspired by art and poetry. They learn new skills together and share a sense of achievement, celebration and pleasure. The Dolphin Arts Project also values intergenerational connections and is often involved with nursery, school and youth groups. We want some of our most vulnerable elders to remain socially connected, creatively enriched and purposeful within our community.

On Saturday the 13th of October I will be running the Coigach half marathon to assist the funding and awareness of the Dolphin Arts Project. It's twice as far as I've ever run before and a considerable personal challenge.

Representing the Dolphins is a big privilege which will spur me on over the miles, as will the stunning scenery of the Coigach peninsular. Please support us if you can and in doing so the continuation of the Dolphin Arts Project.

With many thanks,

Jo.

Links:

Dolphin Arts Project Activities

Dolphin Arts Project On Facebook

Coigach Half Marathon