Thanks for taking the time to visit my page and to read my story. I only received this Half Marathon place recently, so I’m not expecting to run my finest time! My Nanny died from dementia so will be running for her, however, the main reason I’m running is for my Mum. My Mum is 64 and has young onset Alzheimer’s.

The condition is so cruel and every day is all- encompassing. It’s hard to articulate how it is to live, knowing your mum will never get better and to witness her deterioration. I find myself fantasising of what she’d be like if this didn’t happen, what our relationship would be like now I’m a mum, what she’d be like with my son if she didn’t have this. It’s hard not to. Every day brings bouts of living grief and like most things, it’s hard to understand unless you’ve been through it. It changes relationships, finances, and life in general, in all the ways possible. The everyday becomes unfamiliar as the condition progresses.

So through all of this, I’m here to raise money for everyone that is affected by this shit disease. It challenges families far beyond comprehension.

By raising money, we can help provide support to families that are devastated by this disease by funding care and therapy for people trying to cope or support for the person directly affected.

In my situation, I’m extremely lucky to be surrounded by incredibly supportive friends and family, but unfortunately it’s not like this for some. Every penny will help lift others in the most testing of times or give dignity to Alzheimer’s patients, people like us, who did not choose to suffer with this disease. They deserve more joy and happiness while living through a confusing and challenging time.

Thank you for reading and if you’re in a position to donate, I’d be truly grateful for the help you’re providing for others in this situation.

Lots of love,

Chloé