In 2020 my dad, was diagnosed with Early on-set Alzheimer’s disease at the age of 55. This year will mark 10 years since myself and my family first noticed signs of this disease.

It has impacted every aspect of our lives. My Dad can no longer do anything independently, all the things we take for granted such as showering, choosing from a menu or even making a cup of tea.

Due to this disease, I have missed out on things, such as him teaching me to drive, going out for my first legal drink at 18 together, countless football matches and differing opinions about the Villa after every game. So, put simply, the Dad I had when I was a child has slowly slipped away.

I think the thing that all of us miss the most about him, is the funny conversations and daft phrases he used to come out with, as Alzheimer’s disease has massively impacted his ability to talk, making him mostly nonverbal.

Despite all of this we have still managed to make great memories continuing to have some fantastic family holidays and experiences together, making the most of every moment we can.

The weekend of my dad’s birthday, 24-26th October, his honorary 3rd son Jimmy and I will be running 48 miles in 48 hours to raise money for Alzheimer’s Society, who have supported my dad and my family since his diagnosis.

1 in 3 people reading this will be diagnosed with dementia, so please help us raise money and increase awareness of the effects of this devastating disease.

Thank you