To many my Gramps-Arthur Lester is simply a statistic, one of the 60,000 people to have developed and died of Dementia. To me though he was and will always remain my world. A Gramps and Father to me from a young age, the one who would send me to sleep as a child with Milly Molly Mandy stories and terrifying tales of Jack Frost! Later in life he became a treasured confidant and personal cheerleader, always rooting for me and encouraging me to face new challenges. A constant figure throughout my life, always there to support me unconditionally through life’s challenges.  However, when it came to him facing his last life challenge- Dementia, I felt helpless. Not being able to inhabit his world completely, watching my active and lively Gramps become so withdrawn was heartbreaking.

There are so many ‘if only’s’ – ‘if only we had realised the early signs, if only he had an earlier diagnosis his quality of life could have been greatly improved, if only we had received more information and knew where to obtain this, if only he had a specialised Dementia nurse.’ Sadly I have come to realise that I couldn’t have changed his plight but I can contribute to helping that of other sufferers.’ If only’ I could be granted a placing running for them in the London Marathon and make a lasting contribution....?

As a traditional man my Gramps retained a strong sense of family and loyalty. I not only feel that I owe it to him but to other families /friends of Dementia sufferers to raise awareness of this condition, enabling them to access vital support and information to ensure that their loved ones are cared for fully. Although my Gramps developed Dementia he was so much more than this illness, a loving, funny, kind man. It’s these qualities that should be embraced, celebrated and never forgotten.  Dementia is a condition and not the person we love.

I ask you, implore you, to allow me the honour to run for individuals affected by Dementia, their families / friends who desperately need the support from the Alzimers society. I am fully committed to facing this challenge and know that my Gramps would have been my number one supporter. I will be 30 years old next year and can’t imagine a better way to celebrate.

My Gramps would often say “you can only try your best Chantalle-Louisa” I just hope that my best is good enough?....”If only”

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.