Sixteen runners are preparing to take on the Saucony London 10k this July to raise funds for a Stevenage-based charity that offers what it calls 'moments of magic' to people living with dementia.
Charity Founded in Memory of Parents
June's Wish was founded by Jules Minter in memory of her mother, June, who died from Lewy body dementia on Valentine's Day 2025, and her father, Michael, who passed away six months later from vascular dementia. Jules is leading the group as they take on the iconic race to raise funds for the charity.
The team is running for June's Wish, BNI Prosper and Tessiant Consultancy. They are training together during the 18 weeks leading up to race day.
Inspiring Final Flight
The charity aims to provide those suffering with dementia a final wish. The idea came from an inspiring final flight the family organised for June, who loved flying. During the two-hour flight over Norfolk and Suffolk on a private airline, June seemed free again, with the stresses of her condition lifted temporarily. She drank champagne, ate for the first time in weeks, and recognised Jules for the first time in two years.
Jules, who works as a communications consultant alongside running the charity, said: 'She had always loved flying, from New Zealand to Vancouver Island, from Europe to Pearl Harbour, I just knew my mum deserved one last adventure. Mum was laughing, singing and sipping champagne as the world drifted by beneath her. It was as if the dementia simply lifted, giving her one last moment of pure joy. I will always have those memories to hang onto.'
Bringing Joy to Others
'We want to bring that same spark of happiness to others living with dementia. These people and their families deserve a moment of magic. We can arrange a final trip to the seaside, football matches, concerts and romantic dinners,' Jules added.
June's Wish currently provides wishes across Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire and is planning to expand to England and Wales.
How to Support
People supporting someone living with dementia can reach out to the charity online. Find out more and donate to June's Wish at juneswish.org.uk.
The Saucony London 10k has officially sold out faster than ever before, continuing a multi-year trend of unprecedented demand for one of the UK's most iconic summer running events. Register your interest for 2027 at thelondon10k.com.
