Mel's Birmingham Run (April '24 Update)

April Update

Mel has raised nearly £3,000 at this stage, which is fantastic, so thank you to Dr. Mel and those who have assisted with her fundraising!

Dr. Mel has been given her official Age UK Birmingham and Age UK Sandwell running shirt - and here is Dr. Mel pictured at Age UK Birmingham and Age Uk Sandwell HQ in the shirt - looks great doesn't it!

Not long to go now with the signs going up around the route, but you can still help the fundraising at https://ajbellgreatbirminghamrun2024.enthuse.com/pf/melrose-stewart-4194a or check out our profile at https://ajbellgreatbirminghamrun2024.enthuse.com/ageukbirmingham/profile !

With the training going well, the fundraising going well, Mel's raring to go, so if you are along the route on Sunday 5th May, please cheer her on!

March Update

It's Dr Mel's birthday this month! With less than two months to go at the time of writing, until the big day, Mel's prep is coming along nicely. We asked for an update from the lady herself as she was paying us a visit at Stratford House, the Age UK Birmingham and Age UK Sandwell office just inside the ring road (which happens to be Birmingham's 2nd oldest building!)

"My running preparation is slowly building, and although last Sunday I managed 16K, that was a one off!  Currently, my weekly running schedule normally consists of a 5K and10K run on different days.

Also, each week I try to challenge my body in different ways: Pilates to build core strength, Body Attack to increase aerobic capacity , amateur tennis for fun, wellbeing and to reduce sitting time, and walking about 6 miles most days. I rarely drive or use the bus if my destination is within an hour's walk and so my new trainers which were bought in January might not last until May!"

My neighbourhood has some great parks so I usually put on my music and head for these open spaces to run or walk. Of course, living in the city, means some road running is inevitable, but I am certainly having fun!

Of course, with all the donations coming in, an enormous thanks for all the encouragement and support I am receiving."

So from us (including our CEO Steve, pictured with Mel, who is currently reconsidering challenging Mel to a race around the building) and Dr. Melrose Stewart - thank you for the support so far, and don't forget you can get involved too - check out the links below for more information!

January 2024 Update

Run with Dr Mel on 5th May to help celebrate her 70th Birthday and raise vital funds for Age UK Birmingham and Age UK Sandwell

To celebrate her 70th birthday, prominent Birmingham physiotherapist and advocate of older people's health, Dr Melrose Stewart MBE, is taking part in the AJ Bell Great Birmingham Run on 5th May 2024. She will be raising money for Age UK Birmingham and Age UK Sandwell. 

“This year I will be celebrating my 70^th birthday and to mark this great milestone, I am planning to run my first official half marathon. Why? Because I recognise that many people my age are not as fortunate as I am to have good health.  Faced with physical, as well as mental health challenges, many older people suffer in silence and struggle to complete the simple daily tasks many of us take for granted.

All donations will be used by Age UK Birmingham and Age UK Sandwell to support older people to remain independent, stay connected and enjoy a good quality of life.” - Dr. Mel

Further information below