I think until you experience someone close to you suffering from dementia it's hard to comprehend it happening to anyone you know. Nearly a year ago my nana passed away having suffered from a form of dementia for some time. She spent her last years, in particular her final months, unable to enjoy her family and her life in the way she so deserved. She really was the most warm-hearted, kindest and most loving person I've ever known, and I hate the fact that someone who brought so much joy to everyone else throughout their life ended up often feeling confused, lost and alone. I've therefore decided to run the London Landmarks Half Marathon next March in memory of such a special lady, to help fund research so that one day nobody will ever have to lose so much in facing such a horrible disease. I truly appreciate any donations given, no matter how much, so thank you in advance if you do decide to donate. The furthest I've ever run in one go is a little under 10 miles, so this won't be easy, but if I can raise £350 for Alzheimer's Research UK then it'll be worth it.

Some background info on dementia, provided by Alzheimer's Research UK:

Over 850,000 people live with Dementia in the UK and that number is rapidly rising.

At £24 billion each year, dementia costs the UK economy more than cancer and heart disease combined, but over two thirds of the care for dementia patients is paid for by themselves or their family. 

- £20 could fund one hour of vital research

- £50 could provide access to specialist equipment for studying cells

- £120 could support complex protein analysis

- £300 could pay for a genetic test to help identify risk genes