Tom & Rachel Run for Alzheimer's Research UK - 9 March 2025!
Rachel Bates is raising money for Alzheimer's Research UK
In memory of Brenda Bates
Story
We're back baby!
As some of you may remember, we signed up to run the 2024 Cambridge Half Marathon but had to defer our places due to illness. We're running this year's Cam Half on 9 March 2025 (even though the event date says otherwise - it doesn't allow us to update it).
Why we're running
We will be running the Cambridge Half Marathon together in memory of Rachel's wonderful nanna, Brenda, who sadly passed away with Alzheimer's disease in 2016.
Our shared goal is to raise vital funds for dementia research because sadly, if nothing changes, 1 in 2 people will be affected by dementia, either by receiving a diagnosis, caring for someone with dementia, or both.
My nanna was the most loving woman. She taught me so much about unconditional love, why always having two dogs at once is the most sensible option, and how to make the world's best Yorkshire puddings! Watching her change as Alzheimer's took hold was incredibly difficult. She still had a twinkle in her eye, even at the very end. I wish she were still here. That's why I'm running the Cambridge Half — because I want to help change the ending for people with dementia and their families in the future." - Rachel
We took part in the charity's Cheer Squad at the 2023 Cambridge Half and were inspired by people running for their loved ones.
Dementia robbed me of the chance to ever meet nanna Brenda. Rachel often tells me how much she would have loved for us to know one another. She reckons Brenda would have loved putting an extra Yorkshire on my plate, the way she always did with Rachel. I'm running for Alzheimer's Research UK to help us get closer to a cure. Research is our best shot for people affected by dementia." - Tom
We'd be grateful for anything you can spare — it all makes a difference.
How your donation can help
Your donation will help scientists and researchers find new ways to diagnose and develop new treatments for dementia:
£25 will help keep the Dementia Research Infoline open so people can get info and guidance when they need it most.
£100 pays for a state of the art imaging system that gives a clear understanding of how brain cells act and react.
£250 will help map 10,000 genes in minute detail and provide even more clues for treatment targets.
Thank you.
With love,
Tom and Rachel xxx
P.S. You can watch and share Alzheimer's Research UK's new film to find out more about the important work the charity does: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yXE_J9BpJqk
P.P.S. Rachel is NOT a runner, we repeat, Rachel is NOT A RUNNER. Please donate much cash to spur her on because she is terrified and needs you personally to hold her accountable for crossing the finish line.