On 12 April 2026, I will be running Paris Marathon (or at least hoping to!) with my brother to raise much needed funds for Dementia UK.

As many of you know, our gorgeous Dad was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2021 after a number of years suffering hearing loss. Had we known the strong links between hearing loss and dementia we would have been able to act sooner and get an earlier diagnosis. Unfortunately although awareness of this awful illness is increasing, there is still so much that remains unknown. There is also a huge reluctance of people to go for tests because they don’t want to know! If we can raise funds to help research and support families, I truly believe we can make a difference and help to one-day find a cure.

Dad is no longer able to live with Mum and although he still recognises my face, he doesn’t know my name and he is 100% dependent on care from the nursing team in his care home. Every time we see him he has deteriorated a little further and we have no way of knowing how long he will live.

On the odd occasion, there are still glimpses of the funny, cheeky Dad that my brother and I knew, but this disease has robbed him of knowing the people who love him, his memories and enjoying the day-to-day.

My brother and I are running the marathon together and Mum will be there cheering us on, along with our other family members who have witnessed Dads decline and how it has impacted us all. Paris is the city where Mum and Dad went on their honeymoon and a city where we have enjoyed many holidays with Dad.

The year of training is going to be tough (especially for me!) so any donations that can spur me on would be greatly appreciated.