Ken Finlayson, chairman of FMC communications company (owner of Dentistry and dentistry.co.uk), explains how he has been inspired to fundraise for Dentaid by braving the Camino after losing his son, James, last year.
‘I tragically lost my son James, pictured in the middle of this family photo, on the 28 August 2022. He was only 25.
‘To commemorate his life on the 22 July this year I am doing a trek called the Camino. This will entail many mid-summer days of walking over hilly, dusty terrain in searing hot temperatures in his memory.
‘Ultimately, I will end up at the Santiago (St James) de Compostela Cathedral in northern Spain and light a candle in his memory.
‘James was very, very special to me and my family and to the many people that knew him. I am trying to raise as much as possible through this walk to help Dentaid, who do wonderful work, provide more urgent dental treatment to those who need it across the UK.
‘I hope you feel able to donate to this special situation and help fund a new mobile clinic in his name.’
To donate, please visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ken-finlayson1.
With a fundraising target of £25,000, Ken has already raised more than 60% of his target.
Ken said: ‘I am truly amazed at the support that the walk has already had from the dental world and hope many more dentists and dental industry companies will join in too. James was a very special person and I am so proud to be doing this in his memory.’
Dentaid – helping vulnerable groups access urgent dental care
Dentaid’s mobile dental units visit homeless shelters, soup kitchens and community buildings across the country with volunteers providing free dental screening, advice and treatment for people who aren’t registered for NHS dental care.
Dentaid also provides this service for refugees, as well as people living with drug and alcohol addiction.
In addition, the charity takes its mobile dental units to community centres, schools and public buildings in areas where access to dentistry is a real problem. The volunteers provide free check ups and treatment for anyone who is not registered with a dentist but is suffering the misery of untreated toothache.
After receiving treatment, patients say they feel more confident. The fact they are out of pain also helps them to access recovery programmes, seek employment opportunities and move on to a new phase in their lives.
To donate, please visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ken-finlayson1.
