The Big Paddle
Ulladulla boys paddle to raise dementia awareness
On the 12th of November in Ulladulla, a group of boys will endeavour to paddle from Ulladulla Harbour to Bawley Point to raise awareness and funds for dementia.
Paul Morgan, Charlton Fogarty, Brett Burcher and Matthew Leather have each seen first hand the devastating affects of the disease on their own families and believe that more community support and awareness is needed.
“Through our personal experiences we have seen the affect of dementia and the devastating impact it has brought upon our families, friends and the local community,” Paul said.
“This is why we decided to create a fundraising event that would help raise awareness about mental health in the local community, focusing particularly upon dementia. “To increase awareness within the community, we will paddle a distance of approximately 20kms without breaks, testing our physical, emotional and mental strength.
The boys have seen the devastating affect Dementia has had on their close mate Paul Morgan and his family. John Morgan is suffering from dementia right now. He is 57 years old. “I wouldn't wish upon my worst enemy what I have seen my father go through. He is at the point in the disease where it is hard for my family and I to help”. Paul said.
We are a really tight knit group down here on the south coast. We really wanted to do the paddle to help out Paul as well as to raise money for research and increase awareness about dementia as the disease is becoming more and more common in young Australians” Charlton said.
“We need the community to get involved and support us with our efforts”. Brett added. Currently, an estimated 269,000 Australians have dementia, a number that is expected to soar dramatically to almost one million by 2050 as the population ages.
There is no cure for dementia and by 2020 there will be 75,000 baby boomers with dementia.
The boys will commence their paddle from Ulladulla Harbour to Bawley Point on Saturday the 12th November at 8am. To show your support you can donate online using the donate now button at the base of our donation tally or by contacting Alzheimer’s Australia National Office on 02 6254 4233.