Dementia is a cruel disease, and one which has touched the lives of so many of us. In September I will be running the Great North Run to raise money for the Alzheimer's Society, the UK's leading dementia charity, to help fund research into a cure and provide support for people living with dementia today.
 
My choice of the Great North Run is a tribute to my grandfather, who passed away in 2017 after suffering from Dementia with Lewy Bodies (DLB) which is also related to Parkinson's. He grew up in Northumberland, and he was a keen hillwalker so I can think of no better tribute than running a hilly route in his home town!
 
Alzheimer's Society has always been a charity close to my heart because the disease they are fighting has impacted so many of my family members, and continues to do so. What is particularly special to me is that they have been funding research into DLB in recent years (including some based in Newcastle), as part of the amazing work they do across the spectrum of Dementia strains.
 
I have never run this far in my life, but know that every step will be worth it to support to the research they fund and care they provide.