Moray runner Frankie Ralph bids to go 100 miles in a day around Lossiemouth to aid pal hit by Alzheimer’s at age of 33
A runner is aiming to complete 100 miles in just 20 hours for a friend who has been diagnosed with dementia at a distressingly young age.
Frankie Ralph will attempt to cover 33 laps of Lossiemouth during the course of January 2.
The reason behind this gruelling challenge he’s set himself is Michael Dunbar, who in March was diagnosed with Familial Alzheimer's disease at the age of just 33.
Frankie said: “Me and Mikey have known each other for about the past 12 years.
“We were part of the same peer group in Lossie and would go to the same music gigs.
“It’s a dreadful disease and to see the change it has had on Mikey over the past year has been heartbreaking both for us, as his pals, and for his wonderful family.
“I’d love to raise as much money as possible to find a cure.”
Frankie lives in Aberdeen nowadays and works as a chef at the Moonfish Café.
However the 29-year-old is returning to Lossie to spend Christmas with his family and to attempt his mega-challenge.
Although he has competed in marathons and even ironman events before, a 100 miles will be nearly twice as far as he’s ever run.
In his attempt to complete the distance in a single day he’ll be setting off at 4am on Thursday, January 2.
Frankie said: “I’ll have up to up my game but I believe it’s possible. Whatever happens, I will complete 100 miles, however long it takes me.”
The Firth Hotel on Clifton Road has agreed to act as a base during the challenge, so Frankie can stop to eat and drink.
An open invitation is also on offer to anyone who wants to cheer on Frankie or even join him for part of the way.
He said: “I’d like to invite any of my friends, anyone who runs. You can cycle if you want.
“Although I’m not likely to be too be too chatty, I’ll be very glad of both any support and company during the course of the day.”
Mikey started showing signs of short term memory loss during 2022.
Following a number of incorrect diagnosis, he was admitted to Ninewells Hospital in Dundee for extensive medical investigations.
After a further six months the diagnosis came back of Early Onset Familial Alzheimer’s, an extremely rare form of dementia which is caused by genetic mutation.
All the money raised by Frankie will go towards the Alzheimer Scotland Dementia Research Centre.
At the time of writing, the appeal has already raised in excess of £3700.
To donate go the JustGiving website and type ‘Frankie Ralph’ in the search box.
