Ubank BDM runs 100km for Dementia Australia

Josh Duncan, a enterprise growth supervisor at Ubank, not too long ago accomplished a 100km run in in the future 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 straightforward. The unforgiving Australian summer season 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 want 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 purpose of $2,000.

“It’s onerous to place into phrases what I went by way of and the superb assist I acquired from individuals from all walks of life,” mentioned Duncan, who was additionally named a 5-Star BDM by Australian Dealer final yr.

“After I completed, I used to be tremendous emotional, sense of delight 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 treatment, dementia is the second main reason for dying in Australia, in response to Dementia Australia.

In 2024, it’s estimated there are greater than 421,000 Australians residing with all types of dementia. With out 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 wish to increase extra consciousness across the illness and have the ability to contribute to the eventual treatment,” Duncan mentioned. “I wish to dedicate this to my mum and in addition to the principle 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 remains to be alive as they aren’t themselves anymore, and something I can increase will assist. If I may help one particular person this might 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 business ought to get entangled

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

“You guys do not 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 at all times encourage and assist brokers and BDMs to present as a lot as they’ll – we’re in a really lucky place to have the power to take action.”

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

“You may even host your personal occasion like I did or run in one in all 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.