Every 3 minutes dementia steals a happily ever after. Research is our only chance of changing the ending for people affected by dementia.

My grandad, Bob, suffered greatly with Alzheimer’s towards the end of his life, and witnessing his decline was incredibly difficult. It showed me just how cruel and heartbreaking this illness is, not only for the person living with it, but for everyone around them.

I saw the toll it took on my family, especially my nan and my dad, who both went through incredibly dark and painful periods while trying to support him. Alzheimer’s doesn’t just take memories; it affects relationships, mental health, and the stability of entire families. Experiencing that first-hand is something that has stayed with me.

Because Alzheimer’s has affected previous generations in my family, I am very aware there is a real possibility it could impact people close to me again in the future. The thought of watching someone I love go through that experience again is something I want to fight against. I don’t want other families to feel the same helplessness and heartbreak that we did.

By running the Dublin Marathon and raising as much money as possible for Alzheimer’s Research, I hope to contribute towards vital research and support services. The sooner we can find better treatments, and ultimately a cure, the better. No one should have to go through what this disease puts people and their families through.