I never in my life expected to be running a half marathon, but here I am. I started running about 18 months ago, and it has certainly been something to help me stay sane through the whole pandemic. I have never been very good at doing nothing so when we weren’t allowed to do anything, getting out on my own two legs was a real life saver. 

I am raising money for Alzheimer’s Society in memory of my Dad, who died a few days before Christmas 2019. He had Lewy body/Parkinsonian dementia rather than Alzheimer’s, but no matter what dementia you have or how it starts, it all ends the same way. Hopefully one day we can change that. 1 in every 14 people over 65 in the UK develop dementia - that’ll be 1 in 14 of all of us too. I don’t like the sound of those odds.

Alzheimer’s Society not only provides valuable care and support for the dementia community, but also funds vital research into how we can continue to improve treatment and perhaps even find a cure. Charities have been hit hard by the pandemic, so they need our support now more than ever to keep doing their life changing work. I, and they, would be extremely grateful for your support, and it will certainly make me feel better when I’m battling my way through those 21 kilometres!

Edit: I made it! It was tough, and it was hot, but I am super happy with making it round in 2hrs 11 minutes. I have massively exceeded my fundraising target and the sponsorship definitely spurred me on through the tough times, so thank you to everyone who has been able to contribute.

I also discovered that my run was during Lewy body Dementia Awareness Week, making it even more poignant. I wrote a piece about Dad's story to help raise awareness, which you can read here:

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/lewy-body-dementia-awareness-week-personal-story-kath-cotton/?trackingId=8uf4Jxn6KO79UWYrEPC6XQ%3D%3D

Thank you x