We are TEAM JESS-RUTH-BEN and we are running the London Marathon 2025 for Gemma Illingworth, to raise money for the National Brain Appeal and Rare Dementia Support (RDS).

Gemma is our sister and best friend. She was diagnosed in November 2021 with an extremely rare form of dementia - originally posterior cortical atrophy (PCA), but now with various complications beyond. She now has very little recognition of who we are, any ability to express herself or perform very basic functions.

At 28, Gemma was the youngest person to have been diagnosed with this affliction and her life has been changed immeasurably since. Initially, she was still able to live in a semi normal way but the pace of the decline has been severe and she now totally relies on her parents and carers through all hours of the day.

Whilst the reason we are running is as tragic as can be, we would like this cause to be positive and do Gemma proud through this fundraising period and on the big day itself.

You can find out more about RDS via the below link:

https://www.raredementiasupport.org/

Many thanks for your support.

Team JRB