This is more than just a marathon to us. Behind every mile is a personal story, and here’s why each of us are running...

Lizzie

Running won’t fix it, but research just might.

Like many families, dementia affected mine. Proudly representing the orange vest, I’m running in memory of one grandmother and in honour of another who is still living with the disease.

One diagnosis unfolded slowly over many years. The other progressed quickly, forcing us to adapt rapidly. Two completely different journeys, but the same devastating disease at the centre of them both.

Beyond the person diagnosed, dementia reshapes entire families. Relationships change in ways that are impossible to prepare for. Family can begin to feel like strangers, loved ones quietly become carers, and children often become parents, usually without training or warning. With this disease, we grieve not only for the people we have lost, but also for those who are still here, as we watch parts of them change or fade forever.

Taking on the Brighton (my first and last marathon - gulp!) feels like a meaningful way to turn that experience into something positive. By supporting Alzheimer’s Research UK, I hope to contribute towards research that improves understanding, treatment and, ultimately, prevention, so fewer families have to go through the same experience. It’s easy to say now, and I’m sure I’ll laugh about it on race day, but the running is the easy bit...

If you’re able to donate, share the page, or laugh at me running like Phoebe from Friends for 26.2 miles...it would mean a huge amount to us.

Xx

Dan

This April I'm putting my running trainers back on for my third marathon, taking on 26.2 miles of Brighton's coastline for Alzheimer’s Research UK. I'm running in memory of family members we've lost to the disease, including my great gran, and the father-in-law I never had the chance to meet.

I’m hoping to trade my training miles for some meaningful progress toward a cure. If you can spare a few pounds to support the cause (and my third attempt at a trendy finish line photo), or even come and cheer me on, it would be hugely appreciated. Together we can kick Alzheimer’s in the shins.