Thanks for taking the time to visit our JustGiving page.

We have been running together now for just over 2 years and have completed 2 half marathons together - Stephanie helped Alison increase her endurance and Alison brought  Stephanie on with her speed!  At the beginning of our running friendship we soon realised that we and our families were going through a similar challenging journey as Alison's dad Alastair and Stephanie's father in law Ray had both been diagnosed with dementia that year.

Running became a therapeutic part of our daily lives and a chance to offload and share similar challenges that we, and  our loved ones, were facing.   We continue to support each other as we move through the grieving process as both men passed away this year to the disease.

Watching your loved ones deteriorate literally before your eyes is heart-breaking and distressing. It is a hideous disease that we hope they find a cure for one day. In the meantime we have charities such as Alzheimers Scotland providing support and information, activities for both the person living with dementia and their family, and information sharing and training for the community to be more ‘dementia aware' and have a better understanding of the condition and things they can do to help. 

"In January 2017, my dad Alastair was diagnosed with Lewie Body Dementia. When I applied for the ballot place for the London Marathon a couple of months ago my dad was still aware and able to chat to me about my desire to run my first marathon and to raise money and awareness. He always supported me and was very proud. Unfortunately, only 3 weeks ago, dad took very poorly and passed away. I had always known the time would come and in many ways had started to grieve months before as I watched my dad slowly deteriorated and disappear in front of us with such a cruel illness taking him away from us".

"When Ray was in the later stages of the disease I found it very difficult to explain to the boys what was happening to their grandad and why. I went along to Alzheimers Scotland (Shetland branch) and spoke with the worker there and she provided me with some resources that were appropriate for their age and stage of development. Having people available locally is really important in a small community like Shetland and Alison and I would like to help the charity to continue that work". 

The last few months and  weeks have been really difficult for both families and having the London Marathon to focus on and in turn to raise awareness and money for such a worthy cause is going to benefit us all.

Thanks for looking at our page and reading our story.  All donations, big or small, is really appreciated!  

Cheers, Stephanie and Alison xx