In October I will be running the London Marathon to raise funds for Alzheimer Scotland. This charity means a lot to me personally, as my grandma has been suffering with Alzheimer’s for over 6 years now. It is a devastating and progressive disease, which sees our loved ones gradually slip away from us.

When my grandma was first diagnosed with the disease, the symptoms appeared small, such as repeating herself or forgetting the date. However, even at this stage it can be incredibly confusing and frustrating for the sufferer. Therefore, it is crucial for early diagnosis so that nobody faces dementia alone and their standard of life remains as high as possible, whilst also dignified. 

At the beginning of my grandma’s illness it was still possible to engage in normal family life, which we so often take for granted, like going for a coffee, lunch or even a walk. However, as the illness progressed these activities became distant memories.

My grandma has been in a care home in Blairgowrie for a few years now and her dementia is at a very advanced stage, meaning that she cannot remember my name and I am not sure she even recognises me now. Due to the pandemic, I have been unable to visit my grandma for almost a year now, showing how tough a time it is for Alzheimer’s sufferers and their families.

These thoughts all drove me to try and make a difference in some small way and it is an absolute privilege to be running for Alzheimer Scotland, to try and raise these all important funds, which will go towards helping provide crucial support and allowing research to take place, amongst other things and hopefully one day finding a cure. Any donations, great or small, would be greatly appreciated.  

Thank you.