A mechanical engineer with Sheffield specialist engineering group SCX is nearing the end of a remarkable mission to co-ordinate 94 events to raise money for the Alzheimer’s Society in memory of his grandfather.

Adam Newell, aged 29, will reach the finish line with ‘Agden Against Alzheimers’, a nearly 9km run around Agden Reservoir at Bradfield, on Saturday 18 May.

So far, with the help of family and colleagues at SCX in Wincobank, more than £5,000 has been raised in tribute to his grandfather, Nasser Misri, who passed away aged 94. The events have been charted on social media under the hashtag #Nasser94.

Money has come largely through physical challenges, such as triathlons, duathlons, marathons and swimming events. These together with more inclusive activities such as golf days, football matches, auctions and food sales have allowed for greater participation from Adam’s colleagues at SCX.

Adam’s efforts are inspired by his grandfather, originally from Yemen, who was an electrical engineer for 40 years, and who passed away in 2017 after suffering from dementia for a number of years.

“My grandfather was a family man – everything he did was for us – so we were really inspired by him as a family to do something in his memory,” says Adam, who produces mechanical calculations and technical reports for SCX Special Projects, part of the SCX group.

The University of Sheffield graduate hopes at least 250 runners will register for the Agden multi-terrain two-lap run starting outside Bradfield Village Cricket Club in the north of Sheffield.

Remaining in his adopted city after studying, Adam is able to maintain his fitness by running regularly in the Peak District, weight training in his home gym and swimming with the Sheffield Triathlon Club. In his time in Sheffield he has taken on one full distance Iron Man and six half distances.

Adam says both Nasser and his wife, Steffi, were “the best grandparents around. Both were so influential in our family’s lives and their absence is felt continuously.

“Grandad always cared and had the time for his family. He began dealing with dementia in 2007 and those were tough years seeing him cope. As a family we decided to fundraise in his honour and found it fitting to hold 94 events, one for each year of his life.”

So far over 50 runners have signed up for ‘Agden Against Alzheimers’, with promises from another 50 as Adam aims for a charity target of £9,400 – another reference to the age his grandfather reached.

The final event will be emotional, he says. “It has taken a lot of mental and emotional energy, but I have been supported by family, friends and most importantly my very understanding wife, Lydia.”

“I’d like to thank SCX for their support in my fundraising efforts and for being so accommodating of my training.”

SCX group managing director, Simon Eastwood, said: “Adam’s story is very inspiring and we’re proud to be able to support him throughout his challenge. The Alzheimer’s Society is a brilliant charity, raising awareness and funds to help those with dementia to carry on living their lives as best as they can.

“We have encouraged all of our staff to get involved, be it swimming, running, cycling or baking cakes.”

Entry for ‘Agden Against Alzheimers’ is £13 for UK Athletics affiliated runners and £15 for unaffiliated runners. Register: https://www.kilpiraceseries.co.uk

The event is sponsored by SCX, Katie Bell Physiotherapy and Wellness, sports clothing and accessories specialist Kilpi UK and The Schoolrooms café in Bradfield.

#Nasser94: Visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/nasser94