Olly and Harry take on the Great North Run

SIXTH formers Olly Pollock and Harry Millions will run the Great North Run to raise money for charities close to their hearts. Olly will be running for Alzheimer's Research UK and Harry for Cystic Fybrosis Care.

Olly's story:

"On September 8th 2024, I will be running in the AJ Bell Great North Run in aid of Alzheimer's Research UK, due to the impact both dementia and Alzheimer's has had on my family, and the effect the horrible disease has on so many others and their families.

In 2019, my Granny was diagnosed with dementia, and she sadly passed away a few months ago, and then in 2021, my Grandfather was diagnosed with Alzheimer's, who I'm lucky to still have.

Both my Granny and my Grandfather played a big role in my childhood. I saw my Granny the most as she would look after my sister and I when my parents went away. She loved her golf, and she always wanted us to be happy, however, watching her memory fade and her condition worsen, she couldn't do the things she used to love doing so much.

My Grandfather was a huge advocate for sports as he grew up and played football professionally. He always pushed me to play the sports that I loved playing, and I have him to thank for the great genes.

Both conditions affected them, but also the people that cared and loved them. The care that is needed for victims of the cruel disease is constant and it causes huge amounts of stress, worry, and sadness, as you watch the people who have always been there for you, slowly start to fade away.

And so, I decided to run the Great North Run in loving memory of my amazing Granny, and in support of my wonderful Grandfather. I owe them so much and by supporting Alzheimer's Research UK, you can help find a cure, so no more families have to be affected by such a terrible disease like Alzheimer's.

I appreciate any and all donations to help support this wonderful charity who are researching and developing a cure for the cruel and horrible disease.

Alzheimer’s Research UK: Olly's page (enthuse.com)

Harry's story:

"I am running the Great North Run starting from a comparatively low fitness in order to raise money for a brilliant charity. Any donations are very appreciated!

Do you want to join me in making a difference? I'm raising money in aid of Cystic Fibrosis Care and every donation will help. Care: Our charity aims to make life better for those with Cystic Fibrosis, a life threatening, life shortening disease. We provide medical and vital exercise equipment, patient grants for hardship and welfare in times of great difficulty. We offer hospital and travel costs and enable extra emotional support. We fund a training grant for nurses to become a Specialist CF Nurse including accommodation and travel to London. We offer a CF patient aged 21+ or a CF parent retraining educational grant.

Fundraiser by Harry Millions : Cystic fibrosis care (gofundme.com)