In the past 6 years I’ve lost both my Grandmothers to dementia. They shaped our family in different ways and both left a lasting mark on my life.

Grandma Jean was sociable, outgoing and endlessly adventurous. Some of my happiest childhood memories are of the family holidays she planned, always with a twist, whether that meant a castle, an island, or even a narrowboat. She was always behind the camera, capturing everything and turning it into videos we could all watch back together.

Grandma Marlene lived for everything equine. She rode horses well into her eighties and dedicated herself completely to their care. I’ve never known anyone commit so fully to one passion. At her request, her ashes were scattered in the field behind her home, where the horses she loved spent most of their time.

Over time, dementia took away the things that defined them. Jean became more anxious and withdrawn, and Marlene was no longer able to ride or care for her horses. It was difficult to watch those changes happen.

It also had a big impact on my family. My parents and Granddad took on caring roles, and the physical and emotional strain was clear.

Seeing that first-hand is a big part of why I wanted to support Alzheimer’s Society. Their work helps people living with dementia, and the people around them, feel supported and less alone.

That's why I've taken on what I hope will be a memorable challenge. My original plan was to run 5 half marathons in the lead up to the Great North Run.

However, I'm lucky enough to have recently been offered a place in next year's London Marathon by Alzheimer's Society so to dial up the challenge a notch and combine it all into one, I will now be running 11 (ELEVEN) half marathons in the lead up to the Marathon next April!

See my schedule so far below, a few to be booked in for the winter months:

May: Plymouth Half Marathon ✅

June: Bath Two Tunnels

July: Wye Valley Tunnel Run

August: Tiverton Canal Canter

September: Great North Run

October: Bournemouth Half Marathon

November: TBC

December: TBC

January: TBC

February: Brighton Half Marathon

March: Bath Half Marathon

April: London Marathon

It's going to be a big personal challenge for me, as 11 half marathons and a marathon in under a year is no small feat. I'm usually training for a 2-3 months in the lead up to a half marathon so this is going to be relentless! But every mile will be worth it. If you're able to donate, thank you. Every contribution, big or small, really does make a difference.