Newark and Sherwood: Interflex manager to take on marathon to raise money for Alzheimer's Society
The managing director of a components manufacturing company is to walk a marathon in memory of his mother.
Jim Griffin, who runs Langar-based Interflex, is set to take part in the Trek26 event in London on June 5 to honour his mum, who died of Alzheimer’s in 2014.
Mr Griffin said: “Due to the cruel nature of the disease, we really lost my mum a good five years before she died.
“Due to the genetic element of the illness, it’s also likely that any of my four siblings or myself could suffer from this dreadful illness too.”
Four years ago Jim was diagnosed with a potentially life-limiting viral infection. He wants to use the walk to regain the levels of fitness he had prior to his illness, as well as raising money for the Alzheimer’s Society.
“This is an opportunity to push myself and to focus on my fitness again after such a debilitating illness,” Jim said.
“I want to do all I can to help ensure I’m around for as long as possible for my family as four years ago I wasn’t sure I would be. Although I’m now recovered, this will be a significant challenge for me — and just like in my business life I don’t like to do things by halves.”
The socially-distanced walk will see Jim and his son-in-law, Greg, pass some of the capital’s most famous landmarks, including St Paul’s Cathedral and Trafalgar Square.
Jim became the managing director of Interflex last year, just days before the UK’s first national lockdown.
He is hoping to raise extra funds for his chosen charity by receiving donations from local businesses. In return, he plans to print their logos onto the t-shirts the pair will be wearing on the day.
Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia and there are more than half a million people in the UK living with the condition. While there is currently no cure, medication and targeted support can help sufferers and their families live more rewarding and comfortable lives.
