Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

Our lives changed in August 2006 when my Dad was diagnosed with Alzheimer's.

Over the last six years I've seen first hand how much support, advice and guidance the Alzheimer's Society offer to people like my Dad and Mum.

As time passed by and simple tasks started to become increasingly difficult for my Dad, Alzheimer's Society provided John - a 'befriender' for him to spend time with, which also provides my Mum with a much-needed break.

My Dad's not someone who likes to sit still and for years he was a keen runner, so he made sure that John had to work to keep up with him. He even featured in an issue of Alzheimer's Society's 'Living with dementia' monthly magazine (click here - the article is on page 19) proving that you can continue with your hobbies after a dementia diagnosis.

So ... It's time for me to put down the wine glass and get my trainers on and try to raise some money for a charity that has, and continues to, support my family.  

This is where you all come in! 

Any donation you can offer will be hugely appreciated and will be used wisely, whether in research or practical support - it all helps families like mine.

I've started the ball rolling and made the first donation, as it didn't seem fair to ask you all to sponsor me without me giving too.

I hope you can dig into your pockets and keep me motivated to run 10k round Newcastle and Gateshead's Quayside.  

While I know I won't come anywhere close to the 42 minutes my Dad used to trot round 10k courses in, just finishing it will be an achievement, and support and sponsorship from all of you will keep me going.  

But mostly I'm doing this for my Dad and for the memories I have of running with him when I was a teenager.  

My Dad might not know my name anymore, or that I'm his daughter, but he still knows I belong to him and I'm grateful that - for the time being - I still have that.

A huge thank you again for taking to time to read my page and any amount you can sponsor me is appreciated.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure.

Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.