I will be taking part in the Richmond Marathon to raise funds and awareness for Alzheimer's Society.

In June 2014, my Bapou (Grandfather) was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, although as a family we had seen signs developing the previous year. Three of his sisters were also diagnosed and unfortunately passed away with the disease. My Bapou was funny, generous, kind and was always at the centre of family gatherings. After being diagnosed, we watched the disease slowly strip him of his personality, memory and identity. Sadly in July 2018 my Bapou passed away.

Alzheimers is a progressive disease that causes changes in behaviour and memory loss. Alzheimers not only affects the individual but the loved ones around them. Watching someone you love change and feel the increased effects of Alzheimers can be extremely difficult. At present the drugs available for Alzheimers can temporarily alleviate symptoms, or slow down their progression, however a cure is yet to be found. I'm raising money for the Alzheimers society to help raise awareness for the charity and what they do for Alzheimers sufferers and their carers, as well as helping to make the smallest contribution to their research into a cure. Around 225,000 people develop dementia every year – that’s the equivalent to one person every three minutes.

Please spare a bob or two for this special charity!