Ian Volans
Marathon for Mum's Memories
Fundraising for BRACE - Alzheimer's Research
Story
Thanks for visiting my fundraising page.
I ran this year's London Marathon - on Sunday 26 April - in aid of BRACE.
BRACE is Bristol Research into Alzheimer's and Care of the Elderly.
Alzheimer's Disease is the most common form of dementia, it affects 55% of dementia sufferers.
Dementia currently affects approximately 750,000 people in the UK and this figure may double by the year 2050 as the population ages. It affects 1 in 20 of the over 65s and 1 in 5 of the over 80s. However, it should not be thought of as a normal part of ageing - people as young as 40 can be affected, although , thankfully, this is rare.
The impact of both dementia and Alzheimer's on family life is severe. At present there is no cure for Alzheimer's disease. In the UK, Alzheimer's research currently receives less than 5% of that spent on cancer research.
Mum started suffering from memory loss and showing early signs of dementia around five years ago - about the time her grand daughter Ella was born. Mum was diagnosed as suffering from Alzheimer's about 18 months ago - there is no straight-forward definitive test.
Over the five years, first her memory and subsequently her speech have progressively deserted her. Ella, who will be five in marathon week, can just remember Mum when she was still able to communicate. Sadly, today, there are only flickers of recognition when any of the family visit Mum in her care home - which is coincidently not far from Bristol.
Sadly,it's too late for Mum to benefit from any of the research currently underway into Alzheimer's and dementia. However, investment in research today will provide hope for future sufferers and their families.
BRACE is one of the few charities dedicated to funding research into Alzheimer's.
Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: BRACE gets your money faster and, if you’re a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.
Through the hard work of thousands of London Marathon runners, many very worthwhile charities raise a great deal of money. However, I only saw one other person running for BRACE - and that was at the 26 mile mark in Birdcage Walk! So any and all donations to BRACE are most welcome. .
For the record, I reached the finish line in 3h46m36s.
I ran this year's London Marathon - on Sunday 26 April - in aid of BRACE.
BRACE is Bristol Research into Alzheimer's and Care of the Elderly.
Alzheimer's Disease is the most common form of dementia, it affects 55% of dementia sufferers.
Dementia currently affects approximately 750,000 people in the UK and this figure may double by the year 2050 as the population ages. It affects 1 in 20 of the over 65s and 1 in 5 of the over 80s. However, it should not be thought of as a normal part of ageing - people as young as 40 can be affected, although , thankfully, this is rare.
The impact of both dementia and Alzheimer's on family life is severe. At present there is no cure for Alzheimer's disease. In the UK, Alzheimer's research currently receives less than 5% of that spent on cancer research.
Mum started suffering from memory loss and showing early signs of dementia around five years ago - about the time her grand daughter Ella was born. Mum was diagnosed as suffering from Alzheimer's about 18 months ago - there is no straight-forward definitive test.
Over the five years, first her memory and subsequently her speech have progressively deserted her. Ella, who will be five in marathon week, can just remember Mum when she was still able to communicate. Sadly, today, there are only flickers of recognition when any of the family visit Mum in her care home - which is coincidently not far from Bristol.
Sadly,it's too late for Mum to benefit from any of the research currently underway into Alzheimer's and dementia. However, investment in research today will provide hope for future sufferers and their families.
BRACE is one of the few charities dedicated to funding research into Alzheimer's.
Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: BRACE gets your money faster and, if you’re a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.
Through the hard work of thousands of London Marathon runners, many very worthwhile charities raise a great deal of money. However, I only saw one other person running for BRACE - and that was at the 26 mile mark in Birdcage Walk! So any and all donations to BRACE are most welcome. .
For the record, I reached the finish line in 3h46m36s.