Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

My grandad suffered from Alzheimer’s. I lived on the other side of the country to him, but still felt close and tried to visit when I could. I really wanted my grandad and first born son, Owen, to meet, so my husband Rob and I took Owen for a visit in 2013 when Owen was four months old and my grandad was 93. My grandad had a vague idea of who I was, but had no idea of who Rob or Owen were. I loved hearing him reminisce about years gone by, and about his family members, but the repetition and humouring became so difficult. Yet there was a moment of sheer happiness when he held Owen for a photo. He loved children, and I will treasure that moment and that picture. My grandad absolutely loved meeting Owen and Rob and reminiscing about the past, but I can’t help wondering how different it would have been if he had had a better idea of who we all were...

I also know how immensely difficult it was for both my grandad and those who were with him on a regular basis. The frustration and confusion on my grandad’s part and the repetition, and constant reassurance and humouring that was required from others. It was difficult for all involved. 

My grandad passed away not long after he met Owen having been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s around 20 years earlier.

Anything that can be done to end this terrible disease is worth running for.

At £26 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. 

• £20 could fund one hour of vital research.
• £50 could provide access to specialist equipment for studying cells.
• £120 could support complex protein analysis.
• £300 could pay for a genetic test to help identify risk genes.

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.