This May, I’m taking on the challenge of the Leeds Marathon — just eight months postpartum — in support of the Alzheimer’s Society.

I’m running for my mum.

Throughout 2025, my mum spent the year in and out of mental health services and hospitals across leeds receiving treatment for her symptoms. At the incredibly young age of just 60, she was later diagnosed with young-onset dementia. Following her diagnosis, she was permanently transferred into a care home, where she will now remain due to the rapid progression of her illness.

Training for this marathon has given me something to hold onto on the days when I miss my mum the most. Holding someone so close to your heart, while carrying a lifetime of vivid, beautiful, funny memories you can no longer make with them, brings an overwhelming mix of anger, grief, and pain. I run because I want the old version of the woman I love so dearly back.

Although I am incredibly grateful that my mum is still with us, visiting her is heartbreaking. I watch as she becomes a shell of who she once was — she can no longer write, struggles to walk, and is gradually losing her ability to speak and hold conversations.

When I run, I replay our happiest memories over and over again. Running gives me strength, helps me process the heartbreak, and allows me to turn my pain into purpose. By taking on this challenge, I hope to raise vital funds and awareness to support families facing the devastating reality of dementia.

If my run can help even one family feel less alone on this journey, it will mean everything. Thank you for supporting me, my mum, and all those living with dementia.