My dear wife Gill died from Alzheimer’s in July last year.

It affected the back of her brain, creating different symptoms to those normally seen when the front of the brain is attacked. It was a gradual deterioration to her motor skills; using her arms and hands, walking, eating and eventually talking, as well as all the social implications of those disabilities.

Gill had always been an active person, taking on many challenges, especially to help others – one example being a Gamesmaker at the 2012 Paralympics. I am also happy to say that she fought this disease with a similar strength; walking in the Dales, New Zealand and even the Himalayas; traveling to Jordan, South Africa and India, many times.

She would want to continue the fight to stop this disease killing others because that is the only outcome without this research. I am so pleased to have been given the opportunity to run the 2021 London Marathon on her behalf and raise money to find a cure.

I will wear Gill’s Gamesmaker hat from the 2012 Paralympics and carry her souvenir relay baton which she received at that event. It is an encouragement to know she’ll be with me again in London and I encourage you to join us in this fight.