Steve Ellis, whose father David is a member of The Wednesday Club in Scratby, near Great Yarmouth, is running the Brighton Marathon to raise funds for the group which supports those with dementia and gives their carers a break.
It is the second year that keen runner Steve, 42, has supported the popular club run by Carers Trust Norfolk; last year Steve raised £1,800 after completing the London Marathon. The Brighton Marathon is in Steve’s home town and takes place over the weekend of 7-9 April.
David Ellis, 67, was diagnosed three years ago with fronto-temporal dementia, a rare strain of dementia that affects younger people. David had retired from Enfield, north London to live in Scratby with his wife Chris when the first symptoms developed. The area holds special memories as he spent many childhood holidays in Norfolk and continued to take his own family there after he married. Chris is a volunteer at the club.
The Wednesday Club is a social gathering for anyone wishing to share experiences and support those living with dementia and their family carers. A two-course hot meal is provided and outings are held throughout the year. David joined the club in 2014.
Steve said: “My dad ran the London Marathon five times before illness took hold. I run for The Wednesday Club because they have provided excellent, and much needed, respite care at the club for a few years now. My mum has recently begun to volunteer there too. It’s a great place and all of the team demonstrate a genuine commitment to helping improve what is, in many cases, a really difficult situation. They are patient, understanding, kind and dedicated. My family are truly grateful and happy to help in any way we can.”
Michelle Kirk, Family Care Manager with Carers Trust Norfolk, said: “We are immensely grateful to have Steve’s fantastic support again after he raised almost £2,000 for us last year which was spent on running costs for the club.
“They are a strong and united family who are devoted to supporting David through his dementia. His wife Chris helps each week in the kitchen and without this we would be unable to serve hot meals.”
We have availability at The Wednesday Club for new members, for more information contact Michelle on 01493 441222 or [email protected]
If you would like to support Steve Ellis, he has a fundraising page.
Steve is pictured (left) with his father David Ellis.
