Kristie and Amanda
Kristie Laverick is raising money for Alzheimer's Research UK
Participants: Amanda Kenmir
Story
We have decided to run The Great North Run to support Alzheimer’s Research UK because…
Late last year we lost an amazing woman who was very close to our hearts. Our Mum/Grandma was diagnosed with Early-Onset Alzheimer’s. The disease turned her life and ours upside down.
At the ages of 55 she was asked to leave her teaching job as she started to forget things. She walked out of her job of 22 years and never went back.
As the condition progressed she forgot close friends and family. Everyday tasks became a challenge, she forgot how to dress and couldn’t hold a conversation, but never forgot how to smile.
In her last few weeks our lovely Mum/Grandma was unable to swallow or move, this disease took over.
She passed away last September age 71.
We both want to raise money for this charity for a few reasons;
- Raise awareness for the disease
- Raise money to help fund more and new research
- Run in memory of Merril Hall
Many people think dementia is a natural part of ageing but this is not the case. Dementia is caused by diseases of the brain. It is a word used to describe symptoms that occur when brain cells stop working properly. There are 850,000 people in the UK living with dementia. By 2040 that number is expected to rise to over 1.5 million.
Thanks Kristie & Amanda