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I'm running my first half Marathon in memory of my Grandad - Alan.

He was diagnosed with Diabetes over 10 years ago and became dependent on medication with help and support from close family members and friends.

Over the years he became ill, in and out of hospital having operations but always optimistic and postitve that everything would be ok.

Recently he woke up with what he thought was flu, called the doctor who would arrange to contact him back on the phone to advise of a time the doctor would call round to assess him. In the mean time my grandad had called his son who immediately called round to his home and alerted the emergancy services. Grandad was pale, struggerling to breathe his blood sugar unreadable "off the chart"

Whilst in hospital and family surrounding his bedside, unfortunately the news was bad, he had suffered a heart attack. 

The question why am I not raising money for the heart foundation? My answer - Diabetes was the reason behind the heart attack. The years of slowly gabbing hold of his body and restricting him more and more each year.

Over his week in hospital, Grandad had his ups and downs, I saw him at his worst and I saw him at his best.

His worst, covered in wires, monitors and drugs feeding him and trying to improve his condition. His best talking about horse racing and football, asking my brother to gain the score 100 at cricket for Yorkshire.

The week Grandad was taken into hospital he suffered a Heart attack at home, a heart attack in hospital which followed in a Cardiac Arrest, luckly his time wasn't up and he came back fighting - good on you Grandad!

His move over to the intensive care unit, brought it to light how serious he actually was, you never think you will ever experience the noises, the one to one care from nurses and the wost of all the smell. It lingers in your nose forever more.

The monday night, the majority of Grandads family came to see him, laughing, joking and talking until he was tired out. The look on his face told us he wanted us out so he could sleep and continue to remember the fun memories we'd been talking about. He was preparing for his 66 birthday the very next day, we joked a surpise party would come and have him up dancing and singing away to his favourite songs. He told us he wanted no fuss. 

The only fuss we could make was the sounds of crying, sobbing and heart break, Grandad sadly passed away on his 66 birthday in the intenstive care unit, by him self, suffering from a third heart attack.

Grandad left 5 children and 13 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild.

We are all immensely proud of Grandad and miss him dearly. He never wanted fuss nor anyone to cry and be miserable. We try not to be but it's hard.

So in his memory I want to run the Great North Run in September 2013. I'm running with my Fiance Simon Worthington and my younger brother Nathan Saltmer. I aim to acheive £500 to give to Diabetes UK.

I know grandad is proud of what we are doing to keep his legacy going strong and to ensure he is never out of our hearts and we will continue to miss him and love him everyday.

I would give anything to get the chance to spend one more day with him and by doing my first half marathon he will be all I think about that period of time it takes me to cross the finishing line.

I ask you to help and support me in raising as much money as possible for Grandad and keep his memory alive.

Thank you.

Jodie.

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