My family has been greatly impacted by Alzheimer's and all that it entails. My Dad was diagnosed with Alzheimer's in the summer of 2016, at the age of 59, and has bravely fought the disease as best as he can.

His older brother, my Uncle John, was diagnosed with Alzheimer's many years previous to this, and sadly lost his battle in August 2017.

Having watched the marathon every year from my sofa, and having always said it's something I'd like to complete, this year I finally submitted my application to Alzheimers Research UK. As we desperately need to find a cure for this awful disease and stop other families going through the heartbreaking reality of what this disease means for our loved ones diagnosed with it, and those caring for them.

My marathon application was done on 21st April. The following day, my dad started having a sharp decline - sleeping a lot more, unable to use his legs and struggling to chew his food. A few days later, we were told he is at end of life care - he could have days, weeks or months left.

The meaning behind me doing the marathon is so much more than it was when I applied for it - I don't know how long we have left with Dad, but I want to do something that will honour his memory and do something positive in his name.

Honestly, if he knew I was doing it, it would really make him laugh. I've done running before, but never this far. One of the things he used to mock me about is a 100m race at school, when I was about 10 - I stopped half way because my hair bobble fell out - he found it hilarious!

I've never been an athlete, but do enjoy running. With everything else going on, it's fallen by the wayside, so I need to start my training journey again from scratch - starting with couch to 5k! I've got 10 months before the race, and the challenge really is great.

Alzheimer's disease is horrendous. Not only for those living with the ravaging effects it has on both their mind and body, but also for the families and loved ones of those diagnosed, helping them as best they can through their illness.

I cannot tell you how heart-breaking it is to see someone you love lose themselves bit by bit. While trying to help them, you're also mourning the loss of the person they were - all while they're still here physically.

Alzheimer's is an automatic death sentence. There is no cure. There isn't yet even an effective drug available to treat the disease, only some of the symptoms. I would not wish the disease on anyone and more needs to be done to find a cure.

I would like to raise as much as I can to help find a cure and prevent other families going through what we have, and are, going through.

I would love it if you could sponsor me to complete the 2025 TCS London Marathon for Alzheimer's Research UK! No matter how big or how small, it all goes into vital research into this disease.

Thank you for supporting me as I run 26.2 miles for a cure!

Alzheimer’s Research UK is the UK’s leading dementia research charity.

We’re striving for a cure, by revolutionising the way we treat, diagnose and prevent dementia.

With your support, we will keep going until every person is free from the heartbreak of dementia.