In early 2020, my Nanna was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease - just as the world was going into meltdown. Without the interactions of family and friends, and being stuck between 4 walls 24/7 with no stimulation, things accelerated quickly.

It’s hard to believe that we’re 3 years on from that moment and now, she is hardly recognisable.

In those short 3 years she’s lost countless motor skills, meaning she’s often unable to suitably dress herself, brush her hair or put on a pair of shoes. She requires 24hrs of care which is provided by my Grandad, her husband, who she no longer recognises.

I’ve lost my Nanna and while she’s still here on this earth, she is no longer the person we grew up knowing. The life and soul of the party, who once danced around the room, getting everyone to their feet and jiving through the kitchen - now sits quiet in the corner, unable to engage in conversation she once loved.

This disease has ripped apart millions of families across the globe, with 900,000 people currently suffering in the UK alone. Unfortunately this figure is predicted to rise to 1.6m by 2040 - that’s unless we can find a cure.

I am running the Great North Run in September of this year to raise money for Alzheimer’s Society - a charity who are leading the way in research and development and who support the hundreds and thousands of families across the UK who are dealing with this demoralising disease.

I hope you never have to go through what my Nanna and our family are going through. The only way we can fight this disease is through raising awareness, raising money and supporting the amazing people who work day in and day out to find a cure.

It would mean the world to me if you could spare anything to support this cause and if you can’t support financially, please share throughout your socials. 🙏🏼

Thank you for taking the time to read.