Running the Junior and Mini Great North Run to support Dementia friendly village in Darlington

Charlotte is running the Junior and Mini Great North Run on Saturday 10 September to raise money and awareness for dementia. 

A small village near Darlington, where Charlotte’s family live, is making lots of changes to make the village dementia friendly. A small group of volunteers are working with businesses and groups in the village to help and improve the awareness of Dementia for families and carers  

Although dementia can affect a person at any age, it’s much more common in people over the age of 65. Common symptoms of dementia are memory loss, confusion, and problems with speech and understanding. According to Dementia UK, by 2025, it has been estimated that over one million people in the UK will be diagnosed with dementia. 

Charlotte’s school has been involving the children in these changes. “Shirley went into the school to explain what dementia is, essentially to raise awareness to the Staff and staff. “The students now have dementia friendly badges to show they’ve had the training. That’s when Charlotte decided she wanted to donate and run for this cause.”

Charlottes running the Junior and Mini Great North Run on Saturday 10 September to raise money for dementia. 

“I think the overall message is we need to make people aware that there are people out there to help. Don’t be frightened to ask for advice and find somebody to help.” 

With over 9,200 entries, the 2022 Junior and Mini Great North Run will see the highest number of young runners the event has ever seen.