I am sure many of us know someone who is either living with dementia, someone who is caring and supporting someone living with dementia or who has sadly passed away as a result of dementia. I feel passionately that it is important that not only should there be support and information for anyone affected by dementia but that ongoing research into dementia continues to be supported.
I have therefore chosen to raise money for the Alzheimer’s’ Society charity who manage their funds to provide this type of support and research.

My mother died last year and had suffered from dementia for many years; I will always be grateful to my brother and sister –in-law who took the major role in caring for her for a number  of years which enabled her to stay in her own home until the last 6 months of her life. My partner, Mark also warrants a special mention as he provided respite care to Mum and cared for her as if she was his own mother. 

The challenge I am undertaking on the 7^th April 2018 is “ The Vale Of Glamorgan Coastal Half Ultra Challenge” which is an 18.5 mile run along the coast of the Vale of Glamorgan.  This  race starts at Porthkerry Park, Barry and ends at Ogmore by Sea and is almost entirely on trail (crosscountry).

Whilst an 18.5 mile run may not seem a long distance to many experienced runners; up until last June I had never run (not even in my youth) or indeed done any real exercise for years; then suddenly at the age of 55 year and 7 months! I learnt to run. I  have my very dear friends Anne and Maria to thank, for encouraging me to run and introducing me to a fantastic all inclusive running club "Ogmore Phoenix Runners". www.ogmorephoenixrunners.co.uk 

The amazing support from this club's coaches and members has enabled me to achieve my aim of running 5kms to participate in Porthcawl park run; I achieved this goal and have now completed several 10km races.

However the challenge of running 18.5 miles (29.5kms) is clearly a
significant undertaking and at this moment I have no idea why I ended up signing up for this challenge! It probably has something to do
with my running buddy Sharon Pritchard, who started the same day as me in the Zero to Hero section of  “Ogmore Phoenix
Runners”  and we have continue to train together and with the club since.  Sharon is also undertaking this challenge and raising money for Velindre hospital. 

It would be fantastic if you could donate a small sum to my chosen charity, I can’t promise that I will complete the course in a set time but have no doubt with the support of my friends, my family and the running club I will complete the 18.5 miles.

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. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.