In October this year I’m running the Royal Parks Half Marathon in aid of Alzheimer’s Research UK.  A year ago my mum died of Alzheimer’s related illnesses, having suffered with this disease for the last 7 to 8 years of her life. For those that know anything about Alzheimer’s and similar dementia illnesses, you’ll be aware that she didn’t suffer alone – this very cruel disease affects everyone close to them. I personally found it incredibly tough, watching the personality and very being of someone you love so dearly gradually diminishing day by day. But it is a disease that can and should be beaten, so I wanted to do my bit to help. That's why I’m doing this run - in memory of my mum and to help raise money to fund critical research.

Over 850,000 people are living with Dementia in the UK today and that number is rapidly rising. At £24 billion each year, dementia costs the UK economy more than cancer and heart disease combined but over two thirds of the care for Dementia patients is paid for by themselves or their family. ARUK receives no government funding for its research so is completely reliant on the generosity of donors like you (I hope). ARUK do amazing work to help fight this disease and provide hope for the future. From every pound of money raised, 84p goes on research and helping people fight the disease, and the other 16p goes on helping to raise the next £1! Look them up here: www.alzheimersresearchuk.org.

A bit about me, and running – last May I ran a 5K in our local village fun run, and this was the first time I’d done any form of running, ie on a proper course with a finishing line, since my school cross-country race many, many years ago. I then managed a 10K in October last year, and I aim to get another couple of 10K races in before the big day. But be in no doubt, 13.1 miles will be a big, big challenge for me. I hope the thought of my suffering helps persuade you to sponsor me, but mainly I just want as much money as possible making its way to ARUK to help
people now and in the future with dementia.

Cheers, Colin.

PS here's my blog about it:

https://clxv.home.blog/2018/10/12/my-mother-and-alzheimers-our-story/