Markel Bermuda To Sponsor Race For Memories
Markel Bermuda Limited has announced it will be sponsoring its first ever run/walk event in Bermuda on March 29, with proceeds going to assist the charity Action on Alzheimer’s & Dementia [AAD].
A spokesperson said, “Markel Bermuda Limited has announced it will be sponsoring its first ever run/walk event in Bermuda on March 29, with proceeds going to assist the charity Action on Alzheimer’s & Dementia [AAD], a local charity established in 2012 to give support to people in Bermuda living with dementia, along with their families and caregivers.
“The MAAC Race will take place in the East End and includes a 5k run, a 5k competitive or non-competitive walk, and a 2.5k run for juniors.”
Elizabeth Stewart, Founder and President of AAD, said, “We would like to thank Markel for their continued support to AAD which will help improve the lives of people living with dementia. We do not charge individuals or their families for the services that we provide and 95% of donations go directly to help our service users, as the charity is run by volunteers and our fixed overheads are minimal.
“We rely on donations and are grateful to donors like Markel, along with other companies in Bermuda who generously support our charity. In addition, we are hugely thankful to MAAC and Race Director Amy Gee, who has worked tirelessly to make this a great event which we hope will be strongly supported by the public.”
The spokesperson said, “Every three seconds someone in the world is diagnosed with dementia and AAD estimates that there are 2,000 people living with dementia in Bermuda at present. Approximately 60 per cent of this group has Alzheimer’s disease.
“Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia, a disease causing memory loss that interferes with activities of daily living. At present there is no cure. Vascular dementia accounts for approximately 30 per cent of those living with dementia and is caused by strokes and related vascular diseases.
“Vascular dementia may be prevented by living a heart healthy lifestyle, including daily exercise and healthy eating.”
Peta White, Senior Managing Director of Markel Bermuda, said, “Markel is extremely pleased to support Action on Alzheimer’s & Dementia for their inaugural Race for Memories event. For me, AAD were hugely helpful and supportive in assisting my family during our time of need; when we were caring for my father after he was diagnosed and struggling with Alzheimer’s disease.
“There are two fundamental benefits of the charity that enabled us to care for him as a team: the education and training for caregivers and the provision of stimulating environments for those living with dementia. Thank you Action on Alzheimer’s & Dementia Bermuda for supporting us to improve our loved ones quality of life.”
The spokesperson said, “Sign up for the Race for Memories is available online. For more information about AAD, visit www.alzbermuda.com. To contact the charity, please email alzbermuda@yahoo.com or call 707-0600.”
