In November 2020 mum got admitted to hospital with advanced dementia. In January 2021 mum moved into a care home in Bearsden. It was a hard few months during lockdown dealing with all the restrictions on visiting so I decided to take up this running challenge as a means of escape.

Mum is coping well in her new environment however it’s sad to see her memories disappearing week by week. 

Alzheimer’s Research UK has set a challenge to develop life changing treatment by 2025. This will be too late for mum but hopefully it will help all the people who will go on to develop this disease. 

My running challenge started in January 2021 which was a bit start and stop as I wasn’t sure if I’d be able to manage  it. After giving myself a big talking too I ran 66km the last week of January to finish the month on target - 172km.

The next few months I managed to run most days, completing various distances including 4 half marathons. 

Unfortunately in November I got covid which forced me to stop running for a few days which meant November was my first month behind my target. 

Luckily the vaccines did their job and I started December needing 202 km to run to complete my challenge ( the most I’ve ever needed)!

I’ve powered through the first 19 days and run 140km - thankfully the weather has been kind and helped me!.

With 12 days and 63 km to go my target is in sight. I plan to finish on the 31st December and celebrate with some fizz. 

I’ve been part of a Facebook running group which has given me so much encouragement even although I don’t know anyone. I’ve also run regularly with friends, Kenny and Caitlyn which has been great. 

Any donations to this great cause will be greatly appreciated.

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and let’s hope for a great 2022 🎄🥂