Hi everyone. While the challenge to run my first marathon is a personal one I have also decided to run it in aid of Manchester Camerata's groundbreaking dementia research project "Music in Mind".

In over 20 years as a professional musician I have never experienced the power of music so profoundly as through my work with this project, and more specifically with a Young Onset Dementia Group in Manchester.

I met people here less than 10 years older than me whose lives have been torn apart by dementia, and experienced first hand how music can help to rebuild links and develop communication where words fail.

This particular group has been without regular funding for some time now. My aim is to raise enough money to enable another Music in Mind project to take place, which will in turn contribute to Manchester Camerata's greater research into music and dementia.

If you would like to learn more about Music in Mind (or the race!) please follow the links below.

http://www.manchestercamerata.co.uk/learning/health/dementia/music-in-mind

http://www.lakelandtrails.org/marathon/

In such a crowded fundraising environment I am confident that even the smallest donations will be put to good use. Thank you.