Story

Our mum Lynne Denman was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and Vascular Dementia in 2021. We knew something wasn’t right for a while and several doctors consultations confirmed what we feared most. In the last four years since the diagnosis things have deteriorated very quickly.

This last few months really have been the worst yet with mum in Hospital since February, waiting for a bed in a respite care home. She is barely able to speak and cannot do anything for herself anymore. It is beyond devastating to see such a vibrant, creative and loving woman fade away in front of our eyes. We feel so helpless and the emotional pain of mum leaving us a little bit more each day is something I wouldn’t wish upon anyone. She will be 70 next year and it’s too painful to think what situation we might be in by then.

I’ve decided to run the Cardiff Half Marathon in October to raise money for Alzheimer’s Society. I’m running with mums childhood friend. They’ve known each other since the age of 11 when mum lived in Jersey and have remained very close friends ever since. I couldn’t think of anyone I would rather do this run with in honour of my mum. She brings one of the biggest smiles to mums face when she calls and those early memories haven’t faded since the diagnosis.

We want to raise awareness for this horrendous disease and raise as much money as we can to the Alzheimer's society who offer dedicated support to those who need it, campaign for change and fund groundbreaking research.