Hi everyone, im Sam and im going to be running/walking two maratons in thirty days. This is a massive challenge for me as im not a runner. i have decided to do this to help raise funds and awareness for both the Alzheimer’s and brain tumor charitys. My beautiful friend and her family are currently caring for both their parents who are extremely unwell. please read their story below & sponser what you can. Thank you Sam, Carly and family.

We are not quite sure how to put into words the pain and heartache our family is feeling during this time.

Six years ago our beautiful mum Edna was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s at the age of 62. Six years on her condition has progressed to the point she no longer recognises us and spends every day in floods of tears asking to be taken back to her family. She knocks on the windows looking for us daily, not knowing it is us who is with her already.

It is heartbreaking to see her so upset and distressed when all we want is for her to be happy and know we are by her side every minute of the day.

Alzheimer’s is such a cruel illness that (as we’re sure many others understand) leaves you having to lose your loved one twice. You lose who they are, their smile, the glint in their eyes, their laugh and their personality all in one. The only way we can describe it is to say that we are already grieving for our mum who is still here.

The lady she really is and always has been is the kindest, sweet hearted person who would do anything for anyone. The absolute best mum we could wish for to us daughters Kate, Carly & step daughters Melanie and Louisa. A beautiful wife to her husband Brian. An amazing Granny to her 4 gorgeous grandchildren. The rest of our family in London and South Africa also adore her beyond words.

In May 2020, after very sudden symptoms we received the shocking news that our dad Brian and husband to Edna has a Grade 4 Glioblastoma Tumour (primary brain cancer). We were devastated to be told he had a matter of weeks left - or a couple of months at its best. Although surgery was an option that could prolong his life for up to 12 months. He has now had surgery and finished a 3 week course of radiotherapy.

A few weeks ago he took a bad turn and was admitted to hospital for 2 weeks, he is now home with us but is downstairs in a hospital bed being cared for by us 24 hours a day. He is vomiting daily and can no longer walk or do anything independently other than brush his own teeth. He has also stopped eating during the last week.

We have recently been told it’s very unlikely he will be eligible for chemotherapy next as he is just too weak.

The tumour he has is the most aggressive and fast growing there is and there is no cure. We are doing everything possible for him but it is tearing us apart watching him suffer every day and knowing he is in his last few months.

He is an amazing dad to Carly, Melanie, Louisa and step dad to Kate. Incredible Grandad to his 4 gorgeous grandchildren. His 90 year old mother Kathleen and brother Wayne adore him so much as we all do and many others.

Two of the most amazing people in the world who have the kindest hearts are both being taken away in such cruel ways.

Although we cannot save our mum and dad, we would still like to raise money for others with Alzheimer’s and Brain Tumours in the hope to one day find a cure.

Thankyou so much to my beautiful friend Sammi Oates for creating this page and running to raise money I cannot thank her enough. She’s an amazing friend and has been so unbelievably supportive as always, I love you millions, love Carly xxx

We also would like to thank all our family and friends for always being there and helping out every step of the way it means more than we can explain.