Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

Dementia is now the biggest killer in Britain. Not heart disease, not cancer, but dementia. In 2016, 70,366 people died from Alzheimer's disease and dementia. It is a terrible and currently incurable disease with not nearly enough funding given for research. The more that can be done to raise awareness of the disease through fundraising and knowledge sharing, the better.

It is now also a very personal cause for me. My dad was diagnosed with early-stage dementia last year. His was caught early and is being monitored and treated as much as it's possible to. But it is having an effect, on both Dad and Mum, and it really scares me thinking about what could lie in the future for Dad.

I became a Dementia Friend last year which is an easy way to grow your own understanding of dementia, its cause and effects and how we can all be more mindful of those with the disease. Then when I saw my friend Danielle was running the Edinburgh Marathon to raise funds for the Alzheimer's Society, I found myself pressing the 'Enter Here' button.

Marathon running is not something I love. I have run two before, Paris and London, and after London in 2013 swore I'd never run another. But here we are, 18 weeks to go, and Excel training spreadsheet and spangly new running shoes ready to go. I reckon a little bit of discomfort (and undoubtedly moaning) on my part is nothing compared to the distress and anguish felt by sufferers and relatives of those with dementia.

Please help me through these next few months by supporting this outstanding charity. I'll be doing my bit too, fundraising along the way, but it would be great if you could support too.

Thank you for reading and for your help. Alzheimer's is a disease that will touch many of our lives so let's work together to make it better for everyone.

Nicola xx

PS. Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.