On Sunday 4th June I'll be running my first ever marathon around Coniston Water in the Lake District, and I'm hoping to raise money for Alzheimer’s Society in memory of my Grandad, William Spencer.

My Grandad suffered from dementia, which got progressively worse in his final years before he died, and as I'm doing my first ever marathon I thought it would be a great mark of respect to do it in dedication to him, and hopefully raise plenty of money for Alzheimer's Society whilst doing so.

My Grandad was a great inspiration to me, and I'll always remember watching him playing keyboard at my Grandparents house on The Broadway South in Darlington. He used to love drawing too, and created some great images of Darlington town centre along with a a more comical side to the caricatures of TV and movie stars of the times. I also have fond memories of watching films with my Grandad too, and all of these things have been a massive influence to me in my own writing of music, painting and being a huge film fan.

I'll be thinking of him on my way around the marathon, and couldn't think of a better setting than the Lake District to do so. He was such a lovely person, and didn't have a bad bone in his body. He's dearly missed by all of his family, and I hope I can do him proud.

Alzheimer’s Society is transforming the landscape of dementia forever.Until the day we find a cure, we will create a society where those affected by dementia are supported and accepted, able to live in their community without fear or prejudice.

http://www.lakelandtrails.org/marathon/