Ubank BDM runs 100km for Dementia Australia

Josh Duncan, a enterprise improvement supervisor at Ubank, just lately accomplished a 100km run in at some point to boost cash for Dementia Australia. He was impressed to tackle this problem after his mom was recognized with early-onset dementia on the age of 61.

Duncan (pictured ) set out on Feb. 18 from Caddies Creek Reserve, nestled within the scenic north-western hills of Sydney. Alongside a devoted group of supporters, he launched into a gruelling trek, conquering the winding 10km path 10 instances.

The journey was removed from straightforward. The unforgiving Australian summer time solar blazed, pushing temperatures above 30 levels, whereas the humidity clung heavy within the air, mirroring the load of the problem Duncan had undertaken.

But, with every step, he persevered, fuelled by the help of his entourage and the unwavering want to assist these battling dementia.

After 13 gruelling hours, Duncan crossed the end line, attaining a exceptional feat of each bodily and psychological endurance. In doing so, he raised greater than $8,000 for Dementia Australia, exceeding his preliminary aim of $2,000.

“It’s laborious to place into phrases what I went by way of and the superb help I acquired from individuals from all walks of life,” mentioned Duncan, who was additionally named a 5-Star BDM by Australian Dealer final yr.

“After I completed, I used to be tremendous emotional, sense of satisfaction and gratitude for the individuals round me and who supported the fundraiser and joined me on the day.”

The merciless illness: Mourning individuals nonetheless alive

A degenerative mind illness with no identified treatment, dementia is the second main reason behind loss of life in Australia, in keeping with Dementia Australia.

In 2024, it’s estimated there are greater than 421,000 Australians residing with all types of dementia. And not using a medical breakthrough, the variety of individuals with dementia is anticipated to extend to greater than 812,500 by 2054.

Duncan’s household has been deeply impacted by the illness, and he needed to generate funding to help these residing with dementia.

“I need to increase extra consciousness across the illness and be capable to contribute to the eventual treatment,” Duncan mentioned. “I need to dedicate this to my mum and in addition to the primary caregiver, my dad, who has fought for her well being for the previous six years.

“Dementia is a merciless illness, one the place you mourn the one who continues to be alive as they don’t seem to be themselves anymore, and something I can increase will assist. If I will help one particular person this will likely be a win.”

Whereas he has already exceeded his expectations, Duncan has set a brand new goal, aiming to succeed in $10,000, and continues to be accepting donations.

Why the mortgage trade ought to get entangled

Duncan expressed his gratitude to the individuals who supported him all through the run, together with 4 trade colleagues who ran alongside him at totally different factors: Duncan’s colleague Timothy McKenzie, Resimac’s Rodney Cottam, Bridgit’s Nik Thurgood, and James Brett.

“You guys don’t know how a lot that meant to me and coming down not solely to help me however the trigger and pushing me by way of,” Duncan mentioned.

Brett, a mortgage dealer from Really Finance, defined why he supported Duncan’s trigger.

“I understand how troublesome the problem is, and that having working mates makes a distinction when there’s an enormous feat forward of you,” Brett mentioned.

“I’ll all the time encourage and help brokers and BDMs to present as a lot as they will – we’re in a really lucky place to have the flexibility to take action.”

For these wishing to indicate help, Duncan urged trade leaders to think about donating to his Dementia Australia web page: Run for Jenny.

“You’ll be able to even host your personal occasion like I did or run in one among Dementia Australia’s upcoming marathons,” he mentioned. “There’s loads of methods to get entangled, give again, and help a worthy trigger.”

What do you consider Josh Duncan’s effort? Remark beneath.