My mum Rita Austin was sadly diagnosed with dementia in 2015, in September of 2017 we made a life changing decision and needed to source 24 hour care for her and she moved into Blackthorn Care home. This is a specialist care home for people living with all stages of dementia to provide them with a safe environment.

This also includes a tea room, which provides a warm and welcoming space that brings back many happy memories for residents and also for their loved ones who visit them.

This spaces allows residents to have a 'day out' without leaving the home to provide them with memorable activities and to support those who are no longer able to take trips outside the home itself.

As the home has proved to be a life line for my mum and me and my family I am donating all money raised from my 2019 Virgin London Marathon quest towards transforming the current tea room to something brighter with more facilities for all of the Blackthorns residents. Therefore when the miles get challenging on the day I will think of how this will benefit others and will inspire my race and training.