Jennifer Lynch is fundraising for Alzheimer Scotland

If you have visited the clinic, there’s a good chance you might know our Medical Director, Jennifer Lynch, who has been with the business over the 15 years.

As a busy working mum, Jennifer knows the importance of keeping active and healthy and when applications opened for this year’s Edinburgh Marathon, Jennifer jumped at the opportunity to challenge herself, and signed up for the UK’s second largest marathon (outside London).

Committed to the work that we do here at the clinic, Jennifer will be running for Alzheimer Scotland and has already raised over £1000 over the course of her training.

We caught up with Jennifer in the final week of her Marathon training, to find out more about her motivation…

“I like to set myself challenges, it is something I have always done. The marathon is a great challenge for me as it is both a physical and mental test.

I have great memories of my first Marathon in New York in 2002, the atmosphere was amazing, I finished in 4 hrs and 3mins and I remember stopping when I heard my name being called as I thought someone in NY must know me, however it was just that I was a bit delirious at 20 miles and my name was written on my vest! In 2017, after having my third child, I ran in my hometown of Stirling in 3 hrs 21 min, proving to myself that fitness doesn’t have to deteriorate after having kids! It was fantastic to have the support of all my friends, family, and neighbours – people who did know me this time! The support of others is a real motivation and I think this applies to everything we do in life.

Edinburgh will be a challenge as it has been 20 years since my first Marathon attempt. It has been harder to find time to train as life is busier than it was 20 years ago however I believe everything is possible, you just need the right attitude and that’s half the battle!

At work I see people battling with their own challenges with Alzheimer’s Disease. We know of many risk factors for developing this cruel disease but some of these are hard to modify. Lifestyle is something we can always improve in some way to help reduce our risk of developing not only Alzheimer’s but many other health conditions too. So that is why I run, I feel like I am taking control and it gives me space away from the busy life.

As I head towards fifty, I felt running a third marathon was a big challenge, at least that was until my younger brother completed the Ironman in Nice and qualified for the GB Triathlon Team. However, it reminded me we all need to set out and achieve our own goals no matter how big or small they seem to others!”

This year’s Edinburgh Marathon takes place on Sunday the 29th of May. If you would like to support Jennifer’s fundraising efforts, you can view her Justgiving page here and read more about how the Alzheimer Scotland will benefit from the money raised.

Good luck Jennifer – we’ll be cheering you on, all 26.2 miles!