I have decided to run the London Marathon 2024 to support Alzheimer’s Society due to the impact that dementia has had on my own family. 

My Grandad has struggled with memory loss for over 5 years and was diagnosed with dementia a few years ago.

Dementia has been such a cruel disease that has crept up and taken a part of my grandad away, that we will never get back. For as long as I can remember, my Grandad has always been a very social man.  He loved meeting new people and having conversations with anyone he met, making everyone feel welcome and appreciated. 

His two main passions were running and photography, all my life he has been at every running race that anyone in my family has been in, supporting us on and taking pictures of all the runners! Now that he has been diagnosed with dementia, he isn't able to partake in this. 

Seeing him now in social situations, seeing him get upset about his memory or looking totally lost makes me feel so helpless which is why I am training to run the London Marathon to raise money for Alzheimer's Society.  By doing my small part I hope I can help people with this cruel disease.

Not only does dementia have an affect on my Grandad, it has also massively affected the people closest to him. The constant care and worry about him makes it an everyday concern for my family. We have been very fortunate to be able to have training to be able to give him the best possible care and to make sure he feels comfortable. 

By supporting Alzheimer’s Society, you are not only helping people like my grandad, but also helping give care to others directly affected by it. I am so thankful for your support to help fund life changing dementia support and research. 

I am now half way through my marathon training and so the runs are getting much longer! It hasn't been easy, balancing training with work but most of all, trying to manage my injuries and prevent them from getting any worse!