Honor's Grannie Maureen was diagnosed with dementia 8 years ago and has been in care for the last 3 years. She now finds it difficult to communicate and has little recognition of friends or family. It is distressing for all the family to see her rapid deterioration, loss of memory and identity. My own grandfather, Eddie, also suffered from Alzheimers and more recently one of our local friends, who is only in his early 60s, has been diagnosed. It's a very real and devastating reminder of how indiscriminate this disease can be and the profound effect it has on everyone around them.

When Honor signed us both up to do this half-marathon it was an easy decision to run in aid of the Alzheimer's Society – to 'run down dementia' and raise money for research and to help support anyone, including our own loved ones, affected by dementia. If you are able to make a donation, however small, then together we can make a difference to fund this vital research and care.

Every three minutes, someone develops dementia. We can beat it, but we can't do it alone. Alzheimers Society is the UK's leading dementia charity. Until the day we find a cure, we will create a society where those affected by dementia are supported and accepted in their community. Every penny you donate is making sure we can be there for people affected by dementia.