Running the London Marathon for Alzheimer’s Society – in memory of Terry and my Nan, Muriel.

I’m taking on the London Marathon to raise money for Alzheimer’s Society in memory of two people I loved deeply.

Terry (or Tel, my cake buddy), my wife’s dad, passed away in October 2020 in a care home during the height of Covid. He had Alzheimer’s. Because the home was shielding residents, we couldn’t have the full contact visits we so desperately wanted. Those final months were made even harder by the distance the disease and the pandemic forced between us.

My Nan also spent her last years in a nursing home and died in 2014 after living with the condition for a long time. Watching both of them slowly lose the people they were is something that stays with you.

I work in the biotech industry researching treatments for Alzheimer’s. I’ve seen the devastating effects of this disease both personally and professionally. That combination is why supporting Alzheimer’s Society feels so important to me, for the research, the care, and the support they provide for families facing the same journey.

I’ve been running for about ten years. Right now I’m on a run streak of nearly 700 consecutive days of at least one hour every single day, and usually early in the morning before work. I’ve completed five marathons and an ultramarathon. London will be my first major marathon. I’m not the fastest runner out there, but I am determined.

I’m running this marathon for Terry, for my Nan, and for every family affected by Alzheimer’s. Every pound raised will help Alzheimer’s Society continue their vital work supporting people living with dementia, funding research, and standing with families who need it most.

Thank you for reading, and thank you for any support you can give. It means a great deal.