Thank you for joining me on my JustGiving page. 

I am running the Dublin Marathon this year in aid of the Alzheimer Society of Ireland. 

I have always dabbled in running, to keep a little fit for rugby, but I wasn’t always enthusiastic about it. However, like many during lockdown, with no gyms open or sports allowed, I turned to running - to get out of the house and to counteract all the eating and drinking I was doing in the house (hence the need to get out!). Niall, my running partner and great friend, kept me accountable, and vice versa. We ran 12km every Tuesday & Thursday, hail, rain or shine (more rain & wind). We would go between spicy Howth hill runs or scenic coastal intervals. We both completed the Clontarf Half Marathon in 2022 and I have found that I actually started to really enjoy our runs and since have wanted to challenge myself more. Niall will be there with me on the day to drag me around the Marathon course in October. 

I am running in aid of the Alzheimer Society of Ireland. Alzheimers disease is a brain disorder that slowly destroys a person's memory and thinking skills. Eventually,they no longer have the ability to carry out the simplest tasks on their own and rely heavily on the support of others. It is a silent disease that can really take its toll on many families in Ireland. Unfortunately, it is also a disease that I know too well has affected families I am very close to, one who is currently suffering & another who has unfortunately succumbed to the disease. 

Carol, my father-in-law's sister, who is currently living with the disease along with her family, who have no choice but to sit back and watch this deadly disease take over her and her beautiful memories of her siblings and wider family. She relies heavily on the support of her family to look after her. 

Kathy, a close friend's mother, who unfortunately passed away last Christmas Day of this dreadful disease. Kathy was a loving wife, mother and grandmother to 3 grandchildren who she adored. She was taken too soon, but I feel honoured to run on her behalf to raise awareness for Alzheimers and I hope she would feel proud that she has been an inspiration to highlight and raise money for this disease.  

One final very important person who is no longer with us, who I will be running in memory of is Trish. A massive character and supporter who is sorely missed by her family, friends & SRFC Family. She may not be there in person with us on the day, but will 100% be with us as we run 26.2 miles, pushing us and watching over us. 

By running & raising as much money as possible for the Alzheimer Society of Ireland, hopefully we are that bit closer to a cure and so other families don’t have to go through the hardship this disease brings with it. 

On the day I'll have all the initials of all three inspirations on my t-shirt, to remind me of why I’m doing this and encouragement  to keep moving.

Training has started as of April and I will keep you all updated here on our progress throughout the next few months.

Thank you  for your support and I’m looking forward to seeing you at the finish line on October 29th!

Dave