Hello, I hope you are having a lovely day. 

Firstly thank you so much for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page, it really does mean the world to me and I can't express how grateful I am for any and all donations given. You are helping a wonderful charity here, and in doing so, helping many people, friends and families a like that have been effected by Alzheimers. 

Thank you so much for your kindness.

Why am I doing this?

I think we can all agree that this past year has been so challenging and tough on us all, our livelihoods have all changed in one way or another. During these trying times I have been reminded of how lucky I am. How lucky I am to have my health, a loving family, a warm cup of tea in the mornings and the ability to wander through the woods smelling the flowers. I was reminded about all the little things in life that we sometimes take for granted. I was reminded how lucky I am to have my health. I was reminded how lucky I am to be alive. I'm thankful for the reminder this year has given me, helping me to be more grateful everyday for everything, and everyone, that enters my life. This taught me, like many others I'm sure, that life is precious, unpredictable, challenging and forever changing. Who knows what tomorrow will bring?

This is why I wanted to run the London Marathon this year. I want to give back, to help, to be there for others in what ever way I can, whilst I can. I also want to push myself, physically and mentally. During my training I will be doing activities that help support the communities around me. As I get up every morning to train I will remember, especially on the tougher days, how lucky I am to see the sunrise, and how lucky I am to have this opportunity.

I was diagnosed with Ankylosing Spondylitis last year and I have also been living with Osgood-Schlatter's disease since I was a teenager. Both these things effect my movement and make it harder for me to exercise and move freely from time to time. Throughout the years I have learnt to adapt and live with them, not letting them effect my livelihood. I have come to accept them as a part of me. They are a driving force in my life and a daily reminder to look after my health and to be thankful that I still have it. I've always wanted to run a marathon and I'm aware that one day my bones won't allow me to do so, even if my mind still wants to, so there is no time like the present. I know it is going to be tough on my body and that my AS will play a factor in this, but I treat my diagnosis like a blessing, not a burden. It is my driving force every morning when I get up and stretch into the day, it is a constant reminder of my mortality and helps me appreciate every second of my time. Every morning it helps remind me how lucky I am to have this opportunity to get up out of my bed, too walk and to experience the gift of life.

The reason I chose to raise money and awareness for Alzheimer's Research UK is because I am also running in the memory of my Grandad. He had Parkinson's and Alzheimers before he died so I have seen first hand how unforgiving this disease can be. He was a wonderful, funny, charming energetic man and he always had time for me and my family. He was a loving Grandad and a fantastic father to my mum. I adore seeing her talk about him, you can see the love in her eyes and you can feel the warmth in her words. When I was younger I could always tell when he was coming up the stairs to see me, as I would hear his knees clicking and cracking before I could see him. It was sad seeing him slowly disappear to this disease before our eyes, but I know he will be with me every step of the way during the marathon, and in life, knee clicks and all.

This ones for you Grandad.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read my page and for being a part of my journey and life. I promise I will train everyday to the best of my ability and work hard to make sure we can raise as much money as possible for Alzheimers Research UK. I will try my hardest to make every single one of you proud and to prove how much your donations mean to me.

Along side my training, I will be partaking in many fund raising events on the build up to the marathon to help earn as many donations as possible, so please keep an eye out on my socials for what I will be getting up to!

Instagram/Facebook/Youtube: @ImperfectPerry

Once again, a massive thank you for helping me raise as much money as possible for this wonderful charity. Ever donation, no matter how big or small, helps push me to keep going.

Much love to you all, and don't forget to stop and appreciate all the wonderful little things in your life from time to time. I know I won't.

Peace and love as always.

Perry x

"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."