25 Jul 2016
HEIDI DOUGLASS | h.douglass@unsw.edu.au
Positive ageing representative, Mr Col Blake, will be running his 43rd City2Surf this year (having missed the first 2 events) and since 2013 has been generously supporting CHeBA in his extraordinary commitment to the annual event. The 14km hilly run is considered not just Sydney’s favourite sporting event, but the world’s largest fun run boasting more than 80,000 participants in recent years.
Since the very first run on 5 September 1971, Col has gone from completing the event in an enviable 57 minutes, to winning the family category with his sons for fastest times in 1991, to now showcasing his relentless positive ageing focus by walking the challenging course with wife Shirley.
Col’s dedication to CHeBA follows his attendance at the Centre’s 2013 Better Brain. Better Life public forum at which 650 people attended to hear what lifestyle factors can be modified to assist in delaying the onset of cognitive decline and possibly preventing Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. With cardiovascular health a major contributor to brain health in late life, Col has been determined to continue with his physical activity endeavours and the City2Surf is just one way to retain fitness.
“The message at CHeBA’s forum was clear. It is never too early but also never too late to do things to support brain health in late life,” said Col.
“I’m very happy to support CHeBA by raising funds for their research endeavours,” he said.
Over three years Col has fundraised close to $4,000 for CHeBA’s research. Co-Directors of CHeBA, Professor Perminder Sachdev and Professor Henry Brodaty extended their thanks to Col for his enthusiasm and generosity and congratulated him on being a quintessential example of positive ageing.
