Hello!

My decision to run the Dublin marathon on 28 October will surprise many who know me (especially those who were in sports class with me back in the day). Running a marathon is well beyond the comfort zone of someone with a general loathing of physical exercise, and being anywhere without makeup. 

All things considered, I am not the actual focus of this (barmy) event. This run is for my Granny Gertie, who passed away last year, and who had dementia. Gertie was a true character and a magnificent and charitable lady, who would have laughed at this madness but also been proud. So I'm running to remember her, to raise money for the Alzheimer's Society, and to put a face to Alzheimer's.

The Alzheimer's Society supports people in Britain and Northern Ireland living with and affected by dementia. It works to fund research into causes, care practices, and a future cure for dementia. Dementia affects 36 million people in the world today. Alzheimer's disease accounts for 60 to 80% of cases. By 2050, 115 million people - almost twice the current population of the UK - will be living with dementia worldwide.

Please donate whatever you can to support this great charity. And keep me motivated on the run of my life. To learn more about Gertie, please visit https://www.facebook.com/GoingForGertie

Thank you,

Maeve xoxo