IN MEMORY OF BERYL

Going Long (updated for 2021)

Four years ago, I ran the London Marathon and said, ‘Never again!’ So…..this year I have entered a full Ironman –  a marathon but only after swimming 2.4 miles and cycling 112 miles! That’s a bit like swimming the Bristol channel from Wales, cycling to London and then running a marathon.

Anyone who knows me is aware I am often found doing triathlons for fun. This time is a little different. In addition to taking on my biggest challenge ever, I am strongly motivated to raise as much money as possible for the Alzheimer’s Society.

As I began training and increasing my distances it occurred to me that I could be entering events and raise some money along the way. The idea gained momentum and I have now entered the Brighton Half Marathon (23 February), the Brighton Marathon (19 April) a Half Ironman (19 April) topping it all off with the Ironman on 19 September.

So as with all of us that was 2020 and things didn't turn out like that and the Ironman was postponed to 2021.  I kept training through 2020 and 2021 . I ran the Half marathon in 2020 and I have done a Half Ironman in 2021. But I was never sure it would go ahead or that I would be able to enter Italy. Well now I have my negative covid test resut there is nothing standing in the way of the start line of Ironman Italy on 18 September!  You can track my progress by downloading the Ironman Tracker app.

What is the Alzheimer’s Society?

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

Dementia is not a natural part of ageing

Dementia is caused by diseases of the brain

It's not just about losing your memory

People can still live well with dementia

Alzheimer's Society is here for anyone affected by dementia

You can read more here: https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/

Why am I raising money for them?

My Mum, Beryl, had severe dementia. sadly she passed away having contracted Corona virus but it was the Alzheimer’s that had weakened her so much that she couldn’t fight it.  It is too late for her to benefit personally from a cure, but any money raised helps people affected by dementia get the support they need today, as well as funds research that helps find a cure for tomorrow.

So, I’m doing it for Beryl and the 850,000 other people with dementia in the UK and for the 225,000 who will develop dementia this year; that's one every
three minutes. That means that while I am racing in these four events alone some 500 people will develop dementia  

How can you support me?

If you can come down and support me and the other runners at any of the events please do – I will need all the encouragement I can get to make it round each of the courses. Or you can donate. A generous donation to get me started would be fantastic or you could donate for each event to spur me on.

If you would like to donate so that the Alzheimer’s Society can continue its wonderful work please go to my Just Giving page https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising-edit/FOR-BERYL-DAVID-BAILEY-2020;
cheque and cash donations are appreciated but don’t forget we can claim the tax back on donations on the just giving page increasing your donation by a whopping 25%.