I am raising money for my Dad, Brian "Bede" Allen. We lost dad on Saturday 26th September 2026.

Dad was diagnosed with dementia only in January 2025, and the speed of his decline was devastating. In August 2025, we had to cut short our holiday in Italy and return home urgently when he became very unwell. He was hallucinating, his mobility and cognitive ability were deteriorating, and he was admitted straight to hospital. after that, poor Dad suffered infection after infection and, together with the prostate diagnosis, these contributed to the rapid progression of the dementia. Losing him has left us heartbroken.

As painful as it is to say, we are thankful for Dad's sake that his dementia journey was relatively short. Dementia gradually took away so much of the man we knew - his independence, his dignity, his personality and many of the little qualities that made him uniquely Dad. Watching that happen was incredibly hard.

Dad has always been wonderfully supportive of all my running. Whether it has been a marathon, a half marathon or any other race, he was always there with encouragement and genuine pride. He even accompanied me on training for my first marathon, cycling alongside while I ran.

I am running for Dad to honour his life, his strength and everything he gave our family and our friends. Dad loved to laugh. Dementia may have changed him so much, but it could never take away the love we shared or the memories I will carry with me. Every mile will be for him, and I hope that by raising as much money as I can, I can help fund vital support and research, so that one day fewer families have to face the heartbreak of this disease.

Dad, this run is for you.

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