Last chance to sign up to run for Playlist for Life at the Edinburgh Marathon Festival
The Edinburgh Marathon Festival takes place on the 23rd and 24th of May with multiple distances to choose from. Entry is now only possible with a charity space so whether you want to run a full marathon, a 5k or a junior race, every step will help people affected by dementia through meaningful music.
We will cover your entry fee, send you a running t-shirt and a fundraising pack. The fundraising target for the half marathon is £300 and £500 for the full marathon. To sign up visit the Edinburgh Marathon Festival website select your distance and then select Playlist for Life as your chosen charity.
The deadline for entry for the marathon and half marathon is the 31st of January.
Morven learned about Playlist for Life through her work in the voluntary sector, then used our resources to bring joy to her grandad who lives with dementia.
Morven said:
“My grandad or ‘pops’ has dementia and he’s a very musical person who sings his favourite songs at every family event, so when I read about the work of Playlist for Life it really resonated with me.
People probably won’t know how big an impact a playlist can have. It was really nice for my pops, and also for bringing some lightness for my nana, who’s been adapting to the new normal.
I think Playlist for Life is such an amazing idea that feels so fantastically simple.”
Luciana is running for her grandparent who is living with dementia and Imogen who is a big music lover is supporting her friend by running alongside her.
Luciana said:
“I chose this charity as my grandad has frontal temporal lobe dementia but has always loved music and so supporting charities that help patients and families is very important to me when fundraising.”
Imogen said:
“I chose Playlist for Life as I want to support a cause that I know will have a positive impact on many families, especially as dementia is so common. Music is a huge part of my life, so I completely understand the importance and influence it can have on someone’s mental health and wellbeing. “
Niall signed up to run the Men’s 10k in Glasgow with a team of family and friends. Niall ran in tribute to his much-loved father and his grandfather who lived with dementia.
Niall said:
“Music is a huge part of all my best memories with my dad and the last thing he bought me before he passed away was a guitar, so it’s all tied together with musical memories.
We chose to raise money for this charity as a tribute to my dad after learning about what Playlist for Life provides families affected by dementia, because we thought how great it would have been to have those resources.”
Research shows that listening to personally-meaningful music can reduce the symptoms of dementia, support memory and communication, and help people to reconnect to loved ones and to their own pasts. In the midst of what can be a very isolating disease, music can be a lifeline.
Carol has early onset dementia and started to build a playlist with her husband Malcolm with support from their local Help Point at St Andrews Church in Carluke. Carol has turned her playlist into an ongoing project and encourages us all to harness the power of personal music.
Carol said:
“When I was diagnosed, I went into a depression. I didn’t want to see anyone, go anywhere, or move off the couch. Now I don’t need to remember I have dementia. I can just put on my playlist and I’m singing and dancing and it just makes me so happy.
Playlist for Life is something that is so dear to my heart, I cherish it. Having this has helped me to live the best life I can with dementia. It’s my playlist that gets me through my nerves, my happy times, and my sad times, so the Scottish Parliament needs to lead the way and show the world how you can make people living with dementia happy by supporting personal playlists.”
Sign up to the Edinburgh Marathon Festival now.
There are many other fundraising races, walks and challenges you can take on throughout the year. If you’d like to enquire about taking part in a challenge to raise funds for Playlist for Life get in touch.
