Dementia is a disease that affects so many lives, and our family has been unusually touched as both my parents have been suffering for the last few years. In February I lost my lovely Mum, Phyll, quite suddenly and unexpectedly. Although the dementia meant that she was not the same as she was, her kindness and sense of fun shone through to the end, and we miss her terribly. My Dad, Brian, continues to battle with Alzheimer’s, and it has been heartbreaking watching him have to come to terms with the loss of Mum over and over again. It’s the cruellest disease, and the Alzheimer’s Society does fantastic work to support sufferers and their families: ‘Alzheimer’s Society is transforming the landscape of dementia forever. Until the day we find a cure, we will create a society where those affected by dementia are supported and accepted, able to live in their community without fear or prejudice.’

Please support this worthy charity by giving a donation to sponsor my run in the Tad Ten Miler on 16th September. I’m doing it in memory of Mum, in support of Dad, and to support Riverside School’s chosen charity of the year.