Former Ireland’s Fittest Man PD Savage calls on local community to take on 1 Million Metres for Dementia
Former elite CrossFit athlete and Ireland’s Fittest Man, PD Savage, is calling on people across Newcastle and beyond to come together for a 10-hour fitness challenge in memory of his mother, Bernadette Savage.
This challenge is in aid of the leading dementia research charity, Alzheimer’s Research UK.
On Saturday 24th October, his new training facility SAVAGE WPL (Wellness, Performance and Longevity) at 15 Carrigs Road, Newcastle, will open its doors for 1 Million Metres for Dementia.
Between 7am and 5pm, the community will attempt to collectively complete 1,000,000 metres in 10 hours, raising money for Alzheimer’s Research UK and marking 10 years since PD lost his mother, to dementia with Lewy bodies.
More than one million people are living with dementia across the UK, including around 22,000 people in Northern Ireland. Dementia with Lewy bodies is one of the most common forms of dementia, after Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia.
PD said: “For me, this is a very personal challenge. My mum was diagnosed with dementia at just 56.
“Watching her go from working and living a busy, independent life to needing a wheelchair within six months was incredibly difficult.
“As a family, we cared for her at home around the clock, and we saw first-hand the devastating impact dementia can have not only on the person diagnosed, but on everyone around them.
“At that point in my life I was finishing my degree and beginning my career in structural and civil engineering.
“Training became an outlet for me. It gave me somewhere to put my energy and, more importantly, gave me the headspace I needed while dealing with what was happening at home and life.
“That experience also changed how I looked at health. Over the years I became increasingly interested in the role that movement, strength, nutrition and lifestyle can play in our long-term health. Those ideas eventually became the foundations of SAVAGE WPL — Wellness, Performance and Longevity.
“It therefore feels fitting that one of the first times we open the doors at SAVAGE should be to remember my Mum, raise awareness of dementia and bring people together for something positive.
“You do not need to be an athlete to take part. This is for everyone. Participants can contribute metres across the rower, SkiErg, BikeErg, Echo Bike and sled.
“There is no minimum distance and no expectation around performance — just come along, move and contribute what you can.
“We also want this to represent other families who have been affected by dementia. Anyone taking part in memory of someone is encouraged to bring a photograph of them on the day, and add it to our memorial display inside SAVAGE WPL.
“Every metre will take us closer to one million, and every donation will support Alzheimer’s Research UK and its work towards better treatments and, ultimately, a cure for dementia.”
The challenge is open to all fitness levels, with participants able to book a 30-minute slot — or multiple slots for those looking to take on a bigger challenge. People who do not want to exercise are also encouraged to come along, support the participants and be part of the day.
Hazel Stirling, Senior Relationship Fundraising Officer for NI, Alzheimer’s Research UK said: “We are incredibly grateful to PD for holding this fundraising challenge for Alzheimer’s Research UK.
“If nothing changes, one in two of us will be affected by dementia in our lifetime, either by developing the condition, caring for someone with dementia, or both.
“But research is making progress. Decades of research have transformed our understanding of dementia and are bringing us closer to better treatments and ultimately a cure.
“Our breakthroughs are only possible with the commitment of our fantastic supporters such as Patrick. Only research will get us there.”
