Alzheimer's Society supporter Jamie Darling is a dab hand at the local aquarium
Published 14 July 2010
Animal Hospital presenter Jamie Darling demonstrated how fish can be good for your health in many ways on a visit to the Blue Reef Aquarium in Tynemouth on Wednesday 14 July.
Watching aquatic fish has been shown to make people feel calmer and more relaxed which can be hugely beneficial for people with dementia. The local Alzheimer's Society in Sunderland decided to put this theory to the test. Jamie joined a group of local people with dementia in a fish handling session and revealed that as a four year old in his native Australia, he was fixated on fish and used to spend all day fishing with a curtain hook and no bait. Alzheimer's Society Sunderland organises an outing for the group every week, part of a programme of activities to support people with dementia and their carers.
Jamie, who is running in the Bupa Great North 10K on 18 July for Alzheimer's Society, said,
'It's marvellous to have a break from training and witness first hand the fantastic work that Alzheimer's Society does. We've all had a very relaxing and entertaining day. I hope people in Sunderland will run with me on Sunday for Alzheimer's Society. The money raised will help improve the lives of people with dementia and their carers and make events like today possible.'
This is the second year that Alzheimer's Society is the nominated charity for the Bupa Great Run Series and Jamie is running in all the remaining runs; the Bupa Great Yorkshire Run, the Bupa Great North and the Bupa Great South.
Jamie added,
'Last year £1 million was raised to fight dementia. This year we want to beat that target. The money raised will help people with dementia live well today and find a cure for tomorrow'.
To register for a run and help beat dementia visit alzheimers.org.uk/greatruns
