I will be running the Great North Run to raise money for the Alzheimer's Society in my wonderful Grandma's memory. I have wanted to do something to mark her memory, and somehow this seems right.

She had a long, happy and beautiful life of 95 years, but in her later years she was a dementia sufferer, we sadly lost her last year. 

She and I were such good pals, we lived together for a while in Newcastle and were both adopted Geordies, she loved the place and the people, as do I, hence the route choice.

I really miss her, every day, she was a fierce lady, the proudest, most stubborn, gorgeous and generous songbird and dancing queen; she adored Allan and I, and all of her family, and genuinely fell in love with her great-grandchildren when she met them, we were all very lucky to have her.

Altzheimers is an incredibly cruel disease to the sufferer and their loved ones and the Altzheimers Society work so hard to make sufferers and their families safe and comfortable, I saw them in action in Grandma's last home, she fortunately had an amazing support network in her family but others are less fortunate.

If anyone would like to sponsor me, any donations would be appreciated, it's truly a wonderful cause supporting a horrific disease which sadly is now also affecting others close to us. 

The Alzheimer's Society uses funds raised to create a society where those affected by dementia are supported and accepted, able to live in their community without fear or prejudice.

Any donation would be hugely appreciated.