Fortius Athletics in Cambuslang raise over £3000 for Alzheimer Scotland
A Cambuslang gym raised over £3000 with 12-hour solstice challenge for Alzheimer Scotland.
The team of 20 from Fortius Athletics did the formidable 12-hour endurance challenge in support of the charity on Saturday June 21.
From 7am to 7pm, they kept equipment running and spirits high as they tackled four disciplines – rowing, skiing, cycling and bench pressing.
Timed to coincide with the summer solstice, the longest day of the year, the event was part of the Alzheimer's Association's global Longest Day initiative, which encourages individuals and groups to honour those living with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia by engaging in meaningful activity.
Over the course of the day, the Fortius team covered astonishing distances and workloads – more than 580,000 metres biked, over 276,000 metres rowed, more than 276,000 metres skied and a massive 2300 bench presses completed. The scale of the physical effort was matched only by the dedication behind it.
'The charity is close to our hearts,' said one Fortius team member. 'Many of us have family or friends who've been affected by dementia, so this was personal. We wanted to do something that reflected the kind of resilience people with Alzheimer's show every day.'
Throughout the day, gym members, family and friends stopped by to lend their support—bringing snacks, cheering on the team, and even stepping in for short bursts on the machines. The atmosphere was one of unity and purpose, with moments of quiet reflection shared alongside the buzz of effort and encouragement.
By the end of the challenge, over £3000 had been raised through online donations and in-gym contributions – all of which will go directly to Alzheimer Scotland to support their vital work in research, outreach, and care.
The Fortius team shared their thanks to everyone who supported the effort, adding that donations remain open via their JustGiving page. Plans are already underway for next year's challenge, with hopes of making it an annual tradition.
'It was tough. But knowing we were doing it for a cause that matters—something we all care deeply about—that's what kept us going,' said another participant.
'It wasn't just about reps and metres. It was about standing up for those who can't always stand for themselves.'
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