The inaugural Gosford Memory Walk & Jog, spearheaded by Monica Riquelme, has successfully raised over $28,041* to support Dementia Australia. This remarkable community effort began as a personal mission for Monica, who lost her father to dementia. With no prior event planning experience, Monica registered, planned, and executed the event in just under six months, stepping well outside her comfort zone to honour her late father. Recognising the scale of the challenge, Monica sought guidance from Neil Prosser and the Terrigal Trotters, organizers of the annual Bay to Bay Run. Their expertise and support were instrumental in turning her vision into a successful event.
Thanks to the generosity of several local small businesses and Rotary clubs Monica reached out to, the event was made financially possible—something that would have otherwise been very costly to host on her own. Their sponsorship and community spirit played a crucial role in bringing the event to life.
The Gosford Memory Walk & Jog encouraged participants to move together for a cause, offering 2km, 5km, or 10km walks or jogs. Originally setting a goal of $5,000, the event far exceeded expectations, with 296 participants across fourteen teams raising an incredible $28,041. These vital funds will support Dementia Australia’s services, including counselling sessions, in-home care and respite support, education programs for healthcare professionals, and innovative research into dementia prevention and treatment.
Among the participating teams was Morgans Gosford Mind Warriors, led by Sophie Doyle (Retirement and Aged Care Specialist) and Simon Royle (Branch Manager). Thanks to the generosity of clients, friends, family, the Morgans network, and the Morgans Foundation, their team raised $4,708 towards this worthy cause. Dementia awareness is crucial, with 1.5 million carers, family members, and friends involved in caring for someone with dementia in Australia. In NSW alone, more than 135,000 people are living with dementia. Dementia is the second leading cause of death in Australia and is projected to become the leading cause in the near future.
For Sophie Doyle, the cause is deeply personal. "Through my work, I regularly support families navigating the financial complexities of dementia care. Having seen dementia’s impact firsthand within my own family, I understand the emotional, physical, and financial challenges that come with the condition," said Sophie Doyle. She is also an active member of the Central Coast Dementia Alliance, dedicated to improving the lives of those impacted by dementia through advocacy, education, and support.
Morgans Gosford has been a part of the Central Coast community for over 22 years and is a branch of Morgans Financial Limited, one of Australia’s leading stockbroking and wealth management firms. The branch offers expert financial services, including stockbroking, investment advice, portfolio management, retirement planning, aged care planning, and superannuation strategies. Morgans Gosford is proud to support important community initiatives like the Gosford Memory Walk & Jog and remains committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of those affected.
The Morgans Foundation, established in 2005, has donated over $20 million to Australian charities, matching funds raised by Morgans branches for local community initiatives.
