More than 130 staff showed their support for people affected by dementia by completing 100 laps of Wembley Stadium.
The gruelling 100km challenge was arranged to mark the stadium’s 100th anniversary and the FA’s partnership with Alzheimer’s Society – and has raised more than £36K for the charity.
Walkers could either aim to complete the full distance or split the challenge into segments in teams, and were kept motivated by playlists, phone calls, snack breaks and colleagues joining them for the odd lap or two.
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The first finisher completed the 100 laps in just 15 hours and 37 minutes with the final walker being cheered across the finish line after 25 hours.
Liam Boylan, Stadium Director, said: “The huge turnout for this challenge was heart-warming and it was great to see so many people walking together.
“The walk itself was incredibly difficult and took a Herculean effort for people to complete one marathon, never mind those who completed two or more.
“I was so inspired by the effort and camaraderie of everybody who turned up to take part, especially those in relay teams who had the middle of the night shifts.
“I somehow managed to crawl over the line in just under 23 hours, but I genuinely could not have done that without the friendship built during the walk.
“However, the biggest inspiration was knowing the pain we were going through is nothing like the pain people and their families and friends go through when they’re diagnosed with dementia.
“Raising money and awareness for Alzheimer’s Society far outweighs the fact that I will not be able to walk for the next three days!”
The £36,295 total raised last month included a generous donation from the First Response Group, one of the stadium’s contractors.
The FA recently announced it would be extending its partnership with Alzheimer’s Society to July 2024.
It is working closely with the charity to help change the landscape of dementia diagnosis by funding crucial research and making sure an early diagnosis is accessible to all.
The partnership has already made a tangible impact. Over the past two seasons, it has raised more than £400,000, with thousands more fans, players and staff now knowing where to go to access vital dementia support.
Jackie Swapp, Area Manager for Alzheimer’s Society in London, said: “We had high hopes for our partnership with the FA and they have certainly delivered – and now that we are into Dementia Action Week, it’s great to hear about this latest incredible fundraising challenge staff have taken on.
“This Dementia Action Week we are encouraging anyone concerned about their memory, or that of a loved one, to check our online symptoms checklist.
“Nine in 10 people told us they benefitted from getting a diagnosis, helping them access the treatments, support and advice a diagnosis unlocks.”
For support, information and advice about dementia visit alzheimers.org.uk/memoryloss or call 0333 150 3456.
