Marathon runner Harrison Turner, 24, of Cleveland has donated $28,530 to Dementia Australia, money raised from running 140km from Cleveland to Tugun, at the Gold Coast in 2023.
Harrison raised the funds through go-fund-me and on social media pages and he said he was grateful and overwhelmed by the support.
The funds will go towards research for treatment and cures of dementia.
As part of the challenge, Harrison ran 11.5km every four hours over a 48-hour period from September 14 to 16.
“I wasn’t too well afterwards. Actually I ended up in hospital a few weeks with no immune system. I feel I am still recovering, but it has been worth it. I am glad I pushed through the pain,” he said.
Harrison said he took up the challenge in support of his great uncle and grandfather who both suffer from dementia.
“Sadly my grandad passed away shortly after and that makes me extra pleased that I was able to do this for him. He watched with help on facetime and I think it made us connect a bit,” he said.
Harrison said he never realised when he took on the challenge that the event would end up as large as it was.
“It’s a surreal feeling to donate a sum this big. I felt the community really resonated, particularly as so many people know people living with dementia,” Harrison said.
“People went above and beyond to support the cause. I am so proud of what we achieved collectively. I hope to continue taking proactive steps towards a brighter future.,” he said.
Harrison said he had no immediate plans for more marathons or fund raisers, but would be keen to do something at a much later stage.
Harrison works as a real estate agent at First National, Cleveland and said he had been encouraged by his workmates and clients.
