My wonderful late Grandmother Audrey suffered for so many years from this awful disease and subsequently passed away in April 2022.

She had every quality a great Nan could have. Sense of humour, made an incredible apple crumble, she was so animated and fun to grow up around. 

Most importantly, she taught me and my siblings the meaning of kindness, being grateful for what you have and the importance of giving something back. She was a friend to all in her hometown of Freshwater, Isle of Wight. 

She is the encouragement that has been ingrained in me to have adventures, to see the world, to volunteer and to face new challenges. Her infamous quote "do it while you're young" still rings in our family's ears. 

It only makes sense to do my first ever Half Marathon for her.

Watching her in her later life slowly slip away, mentally and physically into a scared and confused existence, was heart-breaking to watch. Dementia is a cruel disease that affects so many of us. Not just the patients but families and friends too.

I'm running the London Landmarks Half Marathon for Dementia UK. Dementia UK is the specialist dementia nurse charity. Their nurses, called Admiral Nurses, provide life-changing care to families affected by all forms of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease. They help people with dementia stay independent for longer, and support the people caring for them so they have the strength to cope with the bad days, and the energy to enjoy the good days. They have the time to listen and the knowledge to solve problems, helping families take back control when they are struggling.

So please wish me luck and donate anything you can for NAN! 

Thank you!