Last year the Worshipful Company of Plaisterers chose us as their charity of the year. Hosting a number of fundraising events throughout the year, the company also had individuals taking on personal challenges to help raise money.

Mike trekked over 120km raising over £4,000 in the process, and Paul took on the daunting task of completing the London Marathon. Here’s Paul’s story of a memorable day in the English capital.

“What a day! The weather was great and the crowds were in fine form. Before I knew it I was at mile eight where I saw my fan club (my wife, 4 year old daughter, 2 week old son and sister) for the first time which was such a boost.

“So then, of course, disaster struck. The niggle I’d been carrying in my left hamstring for a couple of months decided to remind me that it was there. I was no longer running for a good time. The focus was on trying to get to the finish.

“And then a wonderful thing happened. I saw my family again. They hadn’t moved, but I was heading along the same stretch of road westbound, so I knew where to look for them. I stopped, gave them all a kiss and a cuddle, had a photo with them and started off again with that shuffling run.

“In a matter of moments, I was across the line in a time of 4:25:43. I had done it! The time was slower than I had hoped, but far quicker than I had feared during the darkest parts of the event when finishing was, at times, looking like a bit of a stretch to say the least.”

Paul raised over £3,500 for us, so that we can continue changing the lives of people through gymnastics.

If you would like to fundraise for us, we can provide all the help you need. Find out more or email [email protected].

Love to Move Lead Coach Kim has played a huge part in developing the Love to Move programme, so that it can help more people living with dementia. She also has incredibly inspirational story.

“My Mum was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2000. My dad was also diagnosed with dementia in 2011. Sadly he passed away the week the programme was planned to start. He was very excited about it and would’ve loved it.

“I learnt a lot from caring for him. He had an amazing passion for music, which has very much shaped the way the program has developed.”

Kim’s personal experience gives her an understanding and insight into how dementia affects the everyday lives of people and families affected by the condition.

“People have problems communicating; some people can’t find the right words to express what they’re trying to say. Basic things like eating and drinking become a major issue.

“It’s very difficult visiting my Mum. Each time I see her it’s like a bereavement. She doesn’t know me, she hasn’t known me for about 3 years, but I can help others.”

And Kim is doing exactly that.

With almost 30 years’ experience in coaching, working in physiotherapy, training in dance for those living with dementia and also adapting gymnastics for disabled people, Kim is in the perfect position to help others.

To date Kim has helped so many people living with dementia, improving their quality of life, through the Love to Move programme.

Find out more about Love to Move.