As many of you know, my dear Dad was diagnosed with dementia in 2020. It is a horrible disease that sees a slow degeneration of brain functioning and memory both disorientating for the sufferer and heartbreaking for the loved ones around them. My father was and still is an intelligent, thoughtful man, who like many sufferers held a professional job and until recently was heavily involved in local community activities; parish councils, drama groups, and treasurer of the local rowing club. A great sportsman all his life – he competed in decathlon and long jump for Great Britain and England – he still rows at the local club in Monmouth 3 times a week and plays golf in Aberdovey, Wales, where he and my mother have their holiday home. He also ran the London marathon in 1991 (annoyingly on very little training!). This is why I have decided to run the London Marathon 2023 for Alzheimer’s Research UK. The UK’s leading dementia research charity, dedicated to causes, diagnosis, prevention, treatment and cure. 

The number of people with dementia globally is estimated to be 50 million. And it is predicted that this number will increase to 152m in 2050, up 204%. The goal of dementia research is to accelerate progress towards a treatment for the diseases which cause dementia.

Dementia is unfortunately not always openly talked about, there is still some stigma around it. Since my father’s diagnosis, my family have tried to speak openly about it as a way to raise awareness and take away some of the stigma, even treat it with some humor. There are ways to live with dementia. For example, with my mother’s great organizing skills, my father has a full schedule of activities each week, and thanks to the support of friends around them, he can still do some of the things he loves, in a caring, supportive environment. 

Some of you know, I have run a few marathons around the globe, always chasing times or personal goals, but this one will be uniquely special to me, running for a cause which I am closely connected to and one which I am passionate about helping. I am honored to be part of #TeamARUK, and look forward to sharing updates on my fundraising and training journey along the way.

Thank you for your support,

Hannah

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