HI my name is Maddie and in October 2024 I lost my grandma (Gina) to dementia which she was fighting for 7 years.

The 7 years were a very hard time for my family and I especially because Gina who was known as Po Po to my family (grandma in Cantonese), was a massive part of our life. She was such a brave, strong lady who had been through so much and it was so unfair that she had to be taken away from us by this awful disease.

I have never been a runner, but I believe Po Po's spirit lives on and her bravery has encouraged me to run the London Marathon in 2026. I'm going to raise money as well as awareness for Alzheimer's specifically dementia. Furthermore, I've been in touch with the care home who were so considerate and supportive towards Gina the 7 years she was there. They're called Dean House care home located in East Preston and the care and support they provided for Po Po needs to be recognised! (Especially when Po Po's first language was Cantonese, they never gave up!)

Having spoken to the staff of Dean House, they said at their latest committee the residents had requested and wanted a greenhouse. To give back to all they have done, I would like to raise money not just to emphasise how dementia can affect everyone and its so unfortunate how there's no cure, but to appreciate everything Dean House has done for Po Po.

I will be raising money for Dementia UK as well as Dean House care home! It would mean so much to me if you were able to help me give back to the care home, alongside carers and families who are affected by this disease.

There's no cure yet but I'm hopeful with more technological advances there will be in the future! Here's to Po Po and thank you for everyone's help and support!