Law firm colleagues donate charity fitness challenge cash to mark World Alzheimer’s Month

COLLEAGUES from Cartmell Shepherd Solicitors have marked World Alzheimer’s Month by donating almost £900 to support people living with dementia.

Colleagues from across the law firm’s Cumbria and Northumberland offices clocked up a total of 420 miles to raise money for the Alzheimer’s Society.

The five-strong team took part in the charity’s Run for Dementia, campaign which challenged participants to complete either 50 or 100 miles in 30 days.

The Run for Dementia team was made up of colleagues from the firm’s Wills, probate and inheritance department. They ran or walked on routes in the Lake District, the Eden Valley, Northumberland and North and West Cumbria to achieve the joint total.

Zoe Calway, who is a director at Cartmell Shepherd Solicitors, said it was more important than ever to support charities such as the Alzheimer’s Society.

She said: “Although coping with Covid-19 restrictions is difficult for everyone, when it comes to feeling isolated, those living with dementia can be among the hardest hit.

“We usually hold an event in support of dementia awareness in May and, although we couldn’t hold it this year, we still wanted to show our support for the charity.”

Zoe, who is based at the Penrith office, clocked up 126 miles during the challenge. She was joined by Claire Wilson, based at Rosehill, Carlisle and Dovenby, near Cockermouth (54 miles); Jane Shaw, based at Penrith (124 miles); Alice Whittome, based at Haltwhistle (50 miles); and marketing manager Terri Hope, based at Cartmell Shepherd’s Carlisle city centre office (66 miles).

Zoe said: “It was a fantastic experience and we supported each other throughout the challenge by sharing photos and stories. It was brilliant to be able to get outdoors and do something positive during such a difficult time.”

As well as fundraising for the Alzheimer’s Society, Cartmell Shepherd supports dementia awareness through training and in the community. The company’s Private Client team are trained Dementia Friends, a programme run by the Alzheimer’s Society which aims to improve the understanding of dementia and encourages people to be more patient, empathetic and understanding.