Clive Downing

Clive's London 2023 marathon

Fundraising for Alzheimer's Society
£32,319
raised of £35,000 target
Event: London Marathon 2021, on 3 October 2021
Join Team Alzheimer's Society at the world-famous Virgin Money London Marathon and help beat the UK's biggest killer.

Story

My beautiful wife Jayne was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2015 aged just 52. Prior to this I wasn't aware this awful disease could affect someone so young. It became apparent to me whilst we were on holiday in Mexico and Jayne had tried to make her way back to the room for a rest but instead came back to me upset that she couldn't find her way there. Once we returned back to the UK Jayne visited the GP to explain the memory problems she had been having. The GP listened but wasn't convinced and it took her employer at the time to take action and involve outside agencies to get a diagnosis. Jayne was forgetting how to use appliances, drive, cook and make a drink - all basic tasks. As time has gone on Jayne is now entering the later stages and now needs constant supervision. Now she struggles to communicate, manage her toileting needs and is finding it difficult to recognise friends and some family members. The stress of having to work 40 hours a week and unexpectedly becoming a carer for my wife prompted me to join a local running club, Steel City Striders to run off some steam and keep myself physically and mentally fit. This was the best decision I ever made. I have made some friends for life and their support has been overwhelming. I have been fortunate enough to secure a place in the London 2022 marathon. This will be a real challenge, but with all my family, friends and colleagues support I know it is something I can achieve and raise money for the Alzheimer’s society to help find a cure for this disease which is set to become the UKs biggest killer. No one should have to see their loved ones suffer in the way we have Jayne a beautiful, kind, loving wife, mother and grandmother.

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About the campaign

Join Team Alzheimer's Society at the world-famous Virgin Money London Marathon and help beat the UK's biggest killer.

About the charity

Alzheimer's Society

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At Alzheimer’s Society we’re working towards a world where dementia no longer devastates lives. We do this by giving help to those living with dementia today, and providing hope for the future by campaigning to make dementia the priority it should be and funding groundbreaking research.

Donation summary

Total raised
£32,318.25
+ £6,458.04 Gift Aid
Online donations
£27,533.25
Offline donations
£4,785.00

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