Ubank BDM runs 100km for Dementia Australia

Josh Duncan, a enterprise growth supervisor at Ubank, just lately accomplished a 100km run in someday 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 occasions.

The journey was removed from simple. The unforgiving Australian summer season solar blazed, pushing temperatures above 30 levels, whereas the humidity clung heavy within the air, mirroring the load 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, attaining a exceptional feat of each bodily and psychological endurance. In doing so, he raised greater than $8,000 for Dementia Australia, exceeding his preliminary objective of $2,000.

“It’s laborious to place into phrases what I went by way of and the wonderful assist I obtained from folks from all walks of life,” mentioned 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 folks round me and who supported the fundraiser and joined me on the day.”

The merciless illness: Mourning folks nonetheless alive

A degenerative mind illness with no identified remedy, dementia is the second main reason for demise in Australia, in keeping with Dementia Australia.

In 2024, it’s estimated there are greater than 421,000 Australians dwelling with all types of dementia. With no medical breakthrough, the variety of folks 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 dwelling with dementia.

“I wish to elevate extra consciousness across the illness and be capable to contribute to the eventual remedy,” Duncan mentioned. “I wish to dedicate this to my mum and likewise 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 who continues to be alive as they don’t seem to be themselves anymore, and something I can elevate will assist. If I may also help one particular person this will likely be a win.”

Whereas he has already exceeded his expectations, Duncan has set a brand new goal, aiming to achieve $10,000, and continues 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 way of,” Duncan mentioned.

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

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

“I’ll all the time encourage and assist brokers and BDMs to offer 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 may even host your personal occasion like I did or run in certainly one of Dementia Australia’s upcoming marathons,” he mentioned. “There’s loads of methods to get entangled, give again, and assist a worthy trigger.”

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