Veteran footballers support colleague diagnosed with early-onset dementia at age of 33 by playing gruelling 12-hour match for Alzheimer Scotland - Action on Dementia charity
Football ‘veterans’ will play a marathon 12-hour match to raise funds for a charity supporting one of their colleagues diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s.
The Boca Seniors group, made up mainly of players aged over 50, meet twice a week for a friendly seven-a-side game at Elgin’s Gleaner Arena to keep fit and stay in touch.
One of their members, Michael Dunbar from Lossiemouth, was diagnosed with Familial Alzheimer’s Disease (FAD) at the age of 33.
His friends decided to support his health battle by organising a fundraiser for the Alzheimer Scotland – Action on Dementia charity.
On Friday, they will kick off a match at the Gleaner which will be played out over a gruelling 12-hour period.
“As the majority of the players within the group are now over 50, the 12-hour shift will be a difficult challenge to all involved,” said Jonathan Ure, one of the Boca Seniors’ group. “We would gratefully appreciate any donations to achieve our goal.”
He said the aim of their quest is to support research, provide resources, and offer hope to those impacted by FAD and dementia.
Team-mate Alan Ralph, who will also take part in the charity match, explained how Michael played a big part in the group’s weekly games before he became ill.
“The Boca Seniors are a local football group who meet twice a week to play seven-a-side and relive our youths. For many years we have had the pleasure of Michael Dunbar playing alongside us.
“Recently, Michael was diagnosed with Familial Alzheimer’s (FAD), a debilitating condition which has impacted his life and his ability to play football. FAD is a rare devastating genetic condition that affects families.
“Within our group there are a few members who have family and friends, that are suffering or have suffered from dementia.
“It’s a life-changing, incurable illness that can be distressing to all involved.”
The group have also organised a race night on Saturday to raise more cash for the cause, with places already sold out.
Michael’s health battle has already captured the imagination of the Moray public when runner Frankie Ralph raced over 100 miles in a 24-hour period and made more than £27,000 for Alzheimer’s Scotland in support of his close pal in Lossiemouth.
