Recently we lost my father; he died peacefully at home at the age of 85. For the last years of his life he had been living with vascular dementia and had been cared for by my stepmum Pat at their home in Somerset.

On 21st May I will be running the Chester Half Marathon with my running buddy Nicola and we'll be trying to use the event to raise some money for The Alzheimer's Society, who fund research into all types of dementia and provide support for people with a diagnosis and for their carers.

Dad had humble beginnings, raised in Essex after WWII in a household that struggled financially. However, he excelled in his education and eventually gained entry into Medical School. He went on to work in the Microbiology department at Charing Cross Hospital (where he also met my mother among the nursing staff), but additionally spent time working in Vancouver and Kuwait. During the 1980s and 90s, part of his work included input into the pioneering research into HIV and AIDS which led to treatments that have no doubt prolonged the lives of those living with the virus.

To us, dad was a smart and funny man. He introduced us to classic comedy and classical music. He was a superb cook, having been taught the basics by my grandmother and then enhancing his skills through embracing the cuisine of his fellow students in medical school. Chinese and Indian dishes were his speciality, and he would often arrive home from London from his forays into the Indian and Asian communities with bags stuffed with spices, pastes, sauces and more exotic ingredients that were unheard of in the average UK supermarket of the time. He loved gardening and all of our houses had some sort of vegetable plot, and all of our freezers crammed with a never ending supply of broad beans and soft fruits. Later, he and mum took up sailing, and he owned a succession of boats, each bigger than the last. Dad would turn his hand to anything, whether woodwork ("reckless DIY", as my brother describes it), languages (including Arabic), Egyptology, bowls (Men's captain in our village), or even creating a barbecue and a bowling alley for the village fete, he would be there. The only thing I ever saw defeat him was our video. I don't think he ever managed to successfully record anything himself.

He was also a superb grandparent, and every one of his seven grandchildren has happy memories of valuable time spent with him, especially in Cornwall where he would share with them his enthusiasm for the kitchen, the garden and all things historical and nautical.

We are fortunate that, although dad lost much of his short term memory in his last years, his recall of events and people in his past was still good. He recognised us all still and could hold a conversation on the phone or face-to-face. Most importantly, he never lost his sense of humour.

Alzheimer’s Society is transforming the landscape of dementia forever. Until the day they find a cure, they aim to create a society where those affected by dementia are supported and accepted, able to live in their community without fear or prejudice. I know that times are tough for us all, but anything that you can spare towards this fundraiser will be hugely appreciated.