To all who know me well, my lovely mother is one of the hundreds of thousands suffering with dementia in the UK, with an element of her condition being Alzheimer’s disease. It is so difficult to put into words the profound impact this illness has on the lives of those suffering, and to those who have to watch their loved ones deteriorate whilst absorbing the many pressures and responsibilities that ensue as the illness takes its course. With an ageing population the anticipated sufferers is expected to increase which will have a significant impact on society above and beyond existing levels. I also want to raise awareness about the age at which people can suffer with this illness. It is a misnomer that only the elderly suffer from the illness and it can effect people a lot earlier in life than people may believe. We have to be prepared for that and strive for a future where people do not begin to lose out on their future so harshly through early onset.

My mum would never have wanted me to live my life being upset and whenever it seemed like I was hopeless, she said the words that would get me back in focus. She always told me not to worry, before a first day at school, an unknown appointment, interview, or even an exam. Even now if I have a look of despair she will come and give me a cuddle and ask if everything is alright. She never doubted my potential, therefore I want to do this, for her, and for everybody who has, and will suffer from this cruel disease, including the families of those who suffer. I strive to turn a negative into a positive. I still find a way to enjoy the moment. There are still triggers to find that spark, and for a split moment, it is as if nothing has changed, but that moment is all too short. She deserves this medal around her neck as she is in the middle of one of the longest marathons a person could possibly face. I cannot wait to see her smile and little laugh when I give it to her.

I will do what I can to contribute towards helping future generations. You really do learn to enjoy the small things in life when surrounded by someone with this condition. Whilst it is too late to save our journey together from the pain and heartache, there is hope that one day we can develop a way to prevent, or at least manage better, this illness and the impact it can have on other lives. That has to be worth fighting for.

I have decided to take on the London marathon to raise funds for Alzheimer’s Research UK (ARUK) who are instrumental in their efforts to promote the cause, raise awareness, raise funds and deploy these in ways which are paving the way for a brighter future one day. They are targeting a breakthrough by 2025. I know what I am doing would make my mum so proud. I ran the 40th London Marathon in October 2020 “my own way” which was eventful, challenging, fun and insanely tough all at the same time. I’ll be on the start line 03/10/21 for the 41st London Marathon, in London.

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page. I would really appreciate your support for this great cause. Please donate whatever you can. Every penny is hugely appreciated.

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