On Saturday 11th July, myself, Garth and our close friends Kate and Di will be taking on a Half- Marathon trek across the Cotswolds raising money for the Alzheimer’s Association.

Our fundraising target is £800.

This walk is deeply personal to us.

My dad, Pablo, is living with Alzheimer’s. Watching someone you love go through dementia is heartbreaking, and it has been one of the most painful and distressing experiences for our whole family. Dementia affects not only the person diagnosed, but everyone around them, as we slowly experience the loss of the person they once were. Although my dad still has his character — his warmth, humour, and spirit are still very much present — there are also changes that are incredibly hard to witness. My mum and brother Paul have struggled deeply too, as we try to navigate all that comes with this illness.

My dad is Spanish — warm, cheerful, funny, and full of life. One of the phrases always used in our family is “Al toro” — meaning “go for it” or “take on the bull.” It became something especially close to my heart because it was also a phrase my twin brother Antonio used to say.

Antonio sadly passed away 9 years ago, and carrying these words with me during this trek feels like walking with both him and my dad beside me.

This cause is also personal for our friend Kate, whose mother-in-law, Rhos, is living with dementia too & whose Grandmother Iris, also suffered the last decade of her life. Together, we want to help raise awareness, support families who are struggling, and contribute towards research and care for those affected by dementia.

If you are able to donate, no matter how small the amount, it would mean so much to us and to the many families facing this cruel illness every day.

Al toro ❤️.