Josh Duncan, a enterprise growth supervisor at Ubank, just lately accomplished a 100km run in at some point to boost cash for Dementia Australia. He was impressed to tackle this problem after his mom was identified with early-onset dementia on the age of 61.

Duncan (pictured ) set out on Feb. 18 from Caddies Creek Reserve, nestled within the scenic north-western hills of Sydney. Alongside a devoted crew of supporters, he launched into a gruelling trek, conquering the winding 10km path 10 instances.

The journey was removed from simple. The unforgiving Australian summer time solar blazed, pushing temperatures above 30 levels, whereas the humidity clung heavy within the air, mirroring the burden of the problem Duncan had undertaken.

But, with every step, he persevered, fuelled by the assist of his entourage and the unwavering need to assist these battling dementia.

After 13 gruelling hours, Duncan crossed the end line, reaching a outstanding feat of each bodily and psychological endurance. In doing so, he raised greater than $8,000 for Dementia Australia, exceeding his preliminary aim of $2,000.

“It’s exhausting to place into phrases what I went by and the wonderful assist I obtained from individuals from all walks of life,” stated Duncan, who was additionally named a 5-Star BDM by Australian Dealer final 12 months.

“After I completed, I used to be tremendous emotional, sense of satisfaction and gratitude for the individuals round me and who supported the fundraiser and joined me on the day.”

The merciless illness: Mourning individuals nonetheless alive

A degenerative mind illness with no recognized remedy, dementia is the second main explanation for dying in Australia, in line with Dementia Australia.

In 2024, it’s estimated there are greater than 421,000 Australians residing with all types of dementia. And not using a medical breakthrough, the variety of individuals with dementia is predicted to extend to greater than 812,500 by 2054.

Duncan’s household has been deeply impacted by the illness, and he wished to generate funding to assist these residing with dementia.

“I need to increase extra consciousness across the illness and be capable of contribute to the eventual remedy,” Duncan stated. “I need to dedicate this to my mum and in addition to the primary caregiver, my dad, who has fought for her well being for the previous six years.

“Dementia is a merciless illness, one the place you mourn the one that remains to be alive as they aren’t themselves anymore, and something I can increase will assist. If I might help one individual this shall be a win.”

Whereas he has already exceeded his expectations, Duncan has set a brand new goal, aiming to achieve $10,000, and remains to be accepting donations.

Why the mortgage trade ought to get entangled

Duncan expressed his gratitude to the individuals who supported him all through the run, together with 4 trade colleagues who ran alongside him at totally different factors: Duncan’s colleague Timothy McKenzie, Resimac’s Rodney Cottam, Bridgit’s Nik Thurgood, and James Brett.

“You guys don’t know how a lot that meant to me and coming down not solely to assist me however the trigger and pushing me by,” Duncan stated.

Brett, a mortgage dealer from Actually Finance, defined why he supported Duncan’s trigger.

“I understand how troublesome the problem is, and that having working mates makes a distinction when there’s an enormous feat forward of you,” Brett stated.

“I’ll all the time encourage and assist brokers and BDMs to present as a lot as they will – we’re in a really lucky place to have the flexibility to take action.”

For these wishing to point out assist, Duncan urged trade leaders to think about donating to his Dementia Australia web page: Run for Jenny.

“You possibly can even host your individual occasion like I did or run in considered one of Dementia Australia’s upcoming marathons,” he stated. “There’s loads of methods to get entangled, give again, and assist a worthy trigger.”

What do you consider Josh Duncan’s effort? Remark beneath.