1 in 3 people born in the UK today will be diagnosed with dementia in their lifetime.

Alzheimer’s Society is working towards a world where dementia no longer devastates lives. They campaign for change, fund life‑changing research and provide crucial support for people and families facing dementia every day. Together, we can beat dementia.

Running this half marathon feels incredibly special to us as Lizzie’s beloved grandmother, Bebe, has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Over the last few years, the lives of our whole family have changed as we learn how to support and love one another through this new chapter.

For me, Lizzie, Bebe was a constant throughout my childhood and teenage years. I have so many treasured memories of her always being there for me – whether that was a cup of squash and a Mr Kipling lemon slice before a sports match, or her unwavering encouragement of my music. From accompanying me on the piano while I practised for flute exams, to inviting her cousin over for a masterclass, to driving me to lessons, Bebe championed every part of who I was becoming.

She was also my safe place during those tricky teenage years, when relationships with parents can feel hard. That meant long chats in her living room, or letting me stay with her during study leave. My memories of Bebe are full of laughter, warmth, and her wonderful storytelling – including one of her very favourite stories about ending up on the front page of a newspaper for taking the miniskirt to Sri Lanka.

I sometimes like to think I was special, and that Bebe showed up for me like this because of that. But the truth is, Bebe is the one who is truly special. She showed up for everyone in this way and made each person feel like the centre of her world.

We are now living with the devastating reality of watching someone who taught us all how to be strong and loving slowly being taken from us. There are no words that fully describe the impact Alzheimer’s has on a family and the people who love someone with this disease.

For us, Lizzie and Mira, running this race is about more than the miles. It’s about raising vital funds, so Alzheimer’s Society can continue its research and provide support to those whose lives are being changed by dementia every day. It’s also about choosing to move our bodies in healthy ways, in the hope of reducing our own risk in the future.

Most of all, we hope that future generations won’t have to experience what our family is going through now. No one deserves this.

Thank you so much for reading, sharing, and donating – every contribution truly makes a difference.