Thank you for visiting my fundraising page.

I am going to run the Edinburgh Marathon for Alzheimer’s Scotland on May 31^st 2015. I enjoy running as a hobby and have run several half marathons and 10k races. I have now decided to go for the ultimate challenge and combine my hobby with some very worthwhile fundraising.  I have no doubt that this will be hard work and involve a lot of training and this is why I would like to raise money for a charity extremely close to my heart.

Alzheimer’s is one of the biggest health issues facing the UK today. As we live longer, more and more people are being diagnosed with this terrible illness.

 I have witnessed its devastating effects and the pain it causes, first hand.  My dad was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease just over 2 years ago. During this period we tried to fit in as much quality time as possible. We enjoyed holidays which fulfilled one of his big dreams – going to see Messi play at the Camp Nou in Barcelona. Unfortunately he has an aggressive form of this disease and his deterioration has been rapid over the last year. In July 2014 he was admitted to Udston Hospital, where the nursing staff still care for him today.

When I was a child, my Gran died of Alzheimer’s Disease and 7 years ago we also lost my Uncle Thomas to the same horrible illness, after over a decade’s suffering.

I hope to not only raise money for Alzheimer’s Scotland but to also raise awareness of Alzheimer’s Disease. Currently there is no cure and treatments are still very limited. Although finding a cure is sadly too late for my dad, I truly hope the money and awareness I raise while doing this marathon will help find a cure for future generations. Governments across the world are now treating dementia as a major concern and funding is gradually being increased to allow wider research.

Alzheimer’s Scotland carry out amazing work supporting dementia sufferers and their carers. They totally rely on donations and sponsorship to fund their support programme.  It is a charity in which I believe passionately. Anything you can give would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you so much for taking time to read my story.