Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page. Below is a word for word copy of my application to enter the London Marathon:

 

I want to take part in the London Marathon for various reasons, but my main reason for wanting to take part is to run in memory of my Father, Jim  O'Leary who passed away 7 years ago this year after suffering with Alzheimer's. He was 52 when he was diagnosed.

 

I was 14 when my parents first told me and my brothers about the difficulties that Dad was having with his language and that he was to have further tests. At that point I forced the issue to the back of my mind, hoping that it would work out for the best without having to worry about it. Over the following months, it became apparent from the tests that something was wrong and as a result he was medically  retired from his post as Lieutenant Colonel in the British Army. The following years became the hardest for me and my family. Dad's understanding  became worse - he was still only in his early 50's. After  30  plus years of service in the Army he was physically fit and strong  for his age  but his understanding and inability to communicate made it increasingly difficult to anticipate how he would react or to know  how much he understood when we spoke to him. He became increasingly agitated as a result of  not understanding what was happening and  confused about  what we were asking of him.

 

Eventually Social Services and the Health Services both made it clear that it was necessary for him to be placed in a home. Regrettably even this didn't work out as his physical strength and determination to resist threatened the security of others and the police were called in. For a further 2 weeks we tried to contain the situation with Dad at home but his deterioration made it necessary for him to be 'sectioned' and taken into a secure hospital. Weeks later, he was transferred to the Alan Gardner Unit,  a secure ward at our local hospital  for residents with Dementia,  mostly focused on elderly people. Although not  ideal, the Staff were wonderful to him and he was close to home so could visit daily as a family. Over time, inevitably,  Dad's health worsened and he stopped recognising the need to eat and drink. His weight dropped dramatically and he needed a drip for  hydration as he wasn't drinking. A week after my 20th birthday, he passed away.

 

Having lived this experience, I couldn't wish such a disease on anyone. It was distressing and life changing from the beginning. It's sad to admit, but my memories of my teen years revolve around the difficulties at home. I know he couldn't help it, and that he loved me like when I was a child, and that's what I try to remember - my youth with my Dad, but memories stay for a long time. That's why I want to see this disease removed, and until that day happens help those who need support.

 

 

My mother has raised funds for various charities and organisations that help provide support for such illnesses. Initially creating “Unity Christian Theatre” in 2005 as a small group raising funds for Charity, the group continues to raise funds for Local Charities and has to date raised over £13,000. Both my brothers have also raised money for Charity – One running the Brighton Marathon for the Alzheimer's Society and the other taking part in a series of challenges including a timed 10k all terrain cross country circuit, a hardcore 12 mile-long obstacle course designed by the Special Forces, an equally hard 10k all terrain course and the Men's Health “Survival of the Fittest” urban challenge 10k assault course in aid of Alzheimer’s Research UK.

 

It is events like these that have influenced me into raising funds for charity by taking part in long distance runs in aid of charity. It also helped me become aware of charities that focus on curing the disease AND charities who are helping people cope with the disease. It is important for us all to remember that diseases like Alzheimer’s affect everyone around those who are suffering also. It’s easy to forget that it has an impact on those closest to the person diagnosed – like my family, they will need help in their everyday lives and have time to themselves to have time to sort their thoughts and feelings and make the best decisions for the good of themselves, the person diagnosed and others around.

 

My current employer currently supports the Alzheimer's Society and Alzheimer's Scotland, through supporting the “Live Well” campaign as the Charity of the year for the company. As part of their initiative to help raise funds for charities, they invite employees to take part in a “day to make a difference” which the employee may do something in aid of charity for one working day in the year. They also offer match giving incentives to those who are raising money, matching money raised by each employee up to the amount of £1000 every year.