Alzheimer’s has changed every part of my life.

My mum was diagnosed with early-onset dementia at just 59. Since then, I’ve shared our journey openly, from being her carer at home to supporting her now in a care home. I’ve seen first-hand the emotional toll, the trauma, the exhaustion, the financial strain and the constant fight for basic support and services that are already stretched far too thin.

Dementia doesn’t just affect memory. It affects families. It changes futures. It forces you to grieve someone who is still here.

I was previously an ambassador for Alzheimer Scotland, a role I’m incredibly proud of. I stepped down last year because I wanted to widen the impact I could have across the dementia space and support different areas of this fight. Care and support are vital, but so is research. Without research, nothing changes.

That’s why I’m running the Great Scottish Run half marathon for Alzheimer's Research UK. A cure would mean fewer families going through the heartbreak, the hardship and the battles for help. It would mean hope for the next generation. It would mean that one day, nobody has to experience what we have.

Running has never come naturally to me, which is exactly why I’m doing this. Every mile will be for my mum and for every family living this reality.

More than anything, I want to make her proud.

If you can donate, share, or support in any way, it truly means more than you know.

I will keep you updated with the training, the fundraising ( almost certain there will be a lot of moaning) and the run on the day. As well as the usual updated in our life and raising awareness.

Thank you 🤍