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A One Agency employee was single-focused on her recent goal to raise money for the Dementia Australia Research Foundation.
Darelle Ratcliff, the network’s member services manager, recently completed a 500-kilometre walk, raising $59,000 for the cause along the way.
Starting at Sydney Harbour and finishing in West Wyalong in NSW’s Riverina region, she spent roughly two weeks on the trek. Ms Ratcliff’s husband, Greg, followed closely behind in a motorhome, providing shelter each night on the journey that lasted from 28 April to 14 May.
It was a family affair overall, as Ms Ratcliff was accompanied on her journey by two of her daughters, while a third coordinated efforts from Sydney. The mammoth effort was worth it for the family, who have felt the effects of dementia on a personal level – both of Ms Ratcliff’s parents died after long fights with the disease.
The team visited a number of One Agency offices along the course of their long walk and ended with a big fundraising event in West Wyalong, which was attended by One Agency’s co-founders, Paul and Annie Davies.
This event alone raised an additional $12,000, which will be used to purchase items needed by the dementia ward at the local retirement village, where Darelle’s parents were cared for.
Ms Ratcliff felt proud of her fundraising efforts, not only because of the money raised but also because of the awareness and support they were able to bring to the cause. During her time on the road, she spent many hours in conversion with locals discussing her journey.
“We were blown away to discover how many people had had to deal with dementia at some point in their lives, either because they were suffering from it or they’d seen family members struck down by the disease,” Ms Ratcliff said.
“But perhaps we shouldn’t have been surprised, because dementia is actually the second-leading cause of death in Australia.”
She expressed her gratitude to the many people along the way who shared their stories with her, and partook in mutual support.
“There is still so much to learn about the possible causes, diagnosis and treatment of dementia. Investment in this research is the only way to minimise its impact in the future. The sooner we can find a cure or prevention for this terrible disease, the better,” she added.
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