I am running the Edinburgh Marathon for Alzheimer Scotland to help ensure that nobody faces dementia alone. 

My dad (a competitive triathlete) died with dementia in 2017, and soon afterwards my mum was diagnosed, and she now lives in a care home. My brother and I, and our parents, have been helped by charities providing support, including Alzheimer Scotland, and any donations will help fund the services they provide. If a couple of dozen people donate a few pounds each we can make a decent contribution. 

My dad ran several marathons, and I enjoyed running with him before and after his diagnosis. These days I run with my own children and he often comes up in the running chat. My mum is also part of the running story, having run with ten-year-old me at the event that got me into the sport, the inaugural Tadcaster Fun Run in 1983.

Fundraising is not something I’ve done much of, but I want to support this vital service, often a first point of contact for people facing a frightening future. I love running, so I’m not suffering for the cause (!) but I have only run one marathon previously, in 2005.

Alzheimer Scotland offers care, information and support to people with dementia and carers in Scotland. Their services include a 24 hour Freephone Dementia Helpline (0808 808 3000), Dementia Advisors, Dementia Nurses and medical research. Thank you for your support..