AN ALVECHURCH woman is taking on a mammoth marathon challenge in memory of her grandparents.
Olivia Blunt will be among the many taking part in the Virgin Money London Marathon on Sunday (April 26) to raise awareness and vital funds for Age UK.
The 25-year-old is using the event to pay tribute to all the loving memories her grandparents gave her while she was growing up.
Her grandad passed away five years ago devastating her grandmother changing her from a strong and happy woman to a severely depressed and lonely one.
Her grandmother moved into home but never recovered from the loss of her husband – she passed away a couple of years ago.
Olivia said: “The memory of my gran’s vulnerability and loneliness during her last three years is something that has stayed with me.
“I would love to support and raise vital funds for Age UK to make sure older people across the country are made to feel appreciated and looked after – Age UK is a fantastic charity.”
The money raised will be used to help the charity to tackle the barriers many older people face.
Loneliness and isolation is a major problem for people in later life and leaves many miserable and depressed.
Lydia Curran, head of events at Age UK, said many older people struggled to cope on a daily basis with the challenges that growing older could bring.
She added: “Loneliness and isolation are two hugely important issues the Age UK network tackles but for many they remain a relentless daily reality, so we’re really grateful to Olivia for her support.
“The money raised by our fantastic runners will help us make life better for even more older people who need our support.
“We wish her the best of luck and look forward to cheering her on.”
Visit www.justgiving.com/Olivia-Blunt to support Olivia’s cause.
