No you have not clicked on the wrong person's page...The above statement is CORRECT and on Sunday 21 April 2013, I WILL be running 26.2 miles and taking part in the 2013 Virgin London Marathon for Dementia UK and raising money specifically to fund and provide extra resources for Admiral Nurses.

Dementia is a term that is used to describe a collection of symptoms including memory loss, problems with reasoning and communication skills and a reduction in a person's abilities and skills in carrying out daily activities. Dementia is a progressive condition. This progression will vary from person to person and each person will experience dementia in a different way.

There are a number of different types of dementia the most common being Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, Fronto temporal dementia and Dementia with Lewy bodies.

So why have I decided to run for Dementia UK...here is why...

Dementia has played a big part in my family's life - both my Grandpa and Grandma were diagnosed and sadly passed away from the terrible disease and recently a close family member has been diagnosed with dementia at a young age. The effects that Dementia has on those close to sufferers is heart breaking and a daily struggle. Whilst some patients receive help from the Admiral Nurses (specialist mental health nurses specialising in dementia) many will not benefit from the skills the nurses have due to lack of funding within the NHS.

Your money will allow sufferers to experience an improved quality of life for both people with dementia and their carers. The nurses use a range of interventions that help people live positively with the condition and develop skills to improve communication and maintain relationships.

My target (set by me) is to raise £2000, but I would like to see my final total exceed this...so please donate generously to what is a great cause.

I really appreciate your support and look forward to seeing many of your faces along the route on the day...I will need as much cheering on as possible!

Much love - Laura, aka Kappers xxx