Marathon run strikes right chord for charity

The boss of a window company has raised over £3000 for a dementia charity at the London Marathon.

Ian Chester, managing director of Yorkshire Windows, ran the race for Lost Chord, an organisation that provides interactive musical experiences for people living with dementia in care homes and day centres.

Lost Chord was allocated just one place at the event and Helena Muller, chief executive of the charity, decided that Mr Chester was the ideal candidate to take up the challenge of competing and raising funds.

He completed the course in four hours and 55 minutes and has so far raised more than £3000.

“It was hard work but knowing that I was running for such a fantastic cause gave me all the motivation I needed to carry on to the finish line,” Mr Chester said.

He added: “I have had some fantastic support from the business community with fantastic donations from Clayton Glass, Smartglass, Sliders UK, Connaught Conservatory Roofs and JW Burley and Partners. Thanks too to all the people who have made a contribution because every penny raised really will make a difference to the lives of people with dementia. Dementia is a cause that should be close to all our hearts as it is one that affects so many families.”

Ms Muller said: “We are a South Yorkshire based charity and Yorkshire Windows is a South Yorkshire company so there was an immediate link between us. The fact that Ian is also such an enthusiastic and experienced endurance runner meant we knew he had what it takes to compete in this world class event and make a real difference to the lives of people living with dementia.”