Lewis CaliburnSolstice AV’s Senior Account Manager, Tanita Russell is preparing for a 50km ultra-marathon to help raise funds for Alzheimer’s Society, a leading dementia charity.
Tanita, who joined Solstice AV – an international distributor of professional audiovisual solutions – in 2023, and a respected member of the AV community since 2012, has signed up for the now annual Boudicca Way 50km Ultra Marathon on July 19, running through historic Norfolk villages and rolling countryside, between Diss and Norwich.
Tanita first began running just two years ago, and has set herself a target of raising £2,000 for the Alzheimer’s Society – a charity close to her heart.
“Alzheimer’s is a profound challenge that touches us all,” explains Tanita ahead of her challenge. “It takes away not just individuals, but the cherished memories they have previously held so dear. Every step I take is not just for me, but for those affected by dementia.”
Figures from Alzheimer’s Research UK show dementia continues to be the UK’s leading cause of death, with one in two people affected by dementia in their lifetime, either by caring for someone with the condition, developing it themselves, or both.
There are currently estimated to be 982,000 people living with dementia in the UK, but more than a third of people with the condition do not have a diagnosis. The number is expected to rise to 1.4 million by 2040.
All funds raised by Tanita will be used to support the Alzheimer’s Society’s mission to improve support for people affected by and living with dementia. From the moment someone starts worrying about their symptoms to diagnosis and the challenges faced beyond, the Alzheimer’s Society is designed to provide support, so that patients and families don’t have to face this condition alone.
“I’ve set myself a fundraising target of £2,000, but I’m not there yet,” says Tanita. “Any support, even a social media share or a small donation, makes a huge difference. Alzheimer’s Society does life-changing work, and I’d love to give something meaningful back. Every single penny raised brings us one step closer to hope and healing.”
Louise Abbey, Marketing Director at Solstice AV, adds, “Tanita is someone who doesn’t do things by halves. Her colleagues at Solstice AV know how much passion Tanita brings to everything she does, whether it’s chasing down a huge order or setting herself incredible challenges of extreme mental and physical endurance. For someone who has only been running for two years, to take on such an incredible challenge with the motivation of helping others is truly inspirational. We’re all incredibly proud of her.”
If you are able and would like to support Tanita in raising funds for the Alzheimer’s Society, please consider doing so via Tanita’s official JustGiving page.