It started in my Nan’s front room, this world of pain.

 

My Mum said to my Uncle: “I’m doing the Brighton Marathon on April 15th for my charity, Dementia UK.”

 

“That’s great," said my Uncle, "Do you have any more places? I would love to do it too.”

 

To which my Mum replied: “Yes, we have loads of places. You can definitely do it.”

 

At this point, I was sitting quietly in the corner. Minding my own business and eating some chocolate fingers my Nan had bought me.

 

But for a reason, unbeknown to me, my Uncle then said: “Brilliant. In that case I am sure Andrew will do it too – he’s the youngest and fittest out of all of us.”

 

And so it started. The pressure of my family propelled me into a world of sore legs, evenings in the gym, brown rice, £90 trainers, hours of boredom, Vaseline, sweaty t-shirts, no alcohol, Keith Richards' audio autobiography, wasted Saturdays and perhaps most shocking of all…bleeding nipples. 

 

But it is all for an undeniably good cause – Dementia UK – a great charity that is particularly important to me as my Mum has been the chief executive for more than ten years.

 

Dementia UK is committed to improving the quality of life for all people affected by dementia. At the heart of its work is setting up and supporting teams of specialist dementia nurses across the UK, called Admiral Nurses.

 

Admiral Nurses work with family carers and people with dementia to improve the quality of life for people with dementia and their carers. 

 

If you’re feeling generous and want to support me in taking on the Brighton Marathon on April 15th, then Dementia UK, my Mum and I will all be extremely grateful.  I’m aiming for around 4 hours.

 

Thank you.

Andrew 

 

P.S - I know I asked for sponsorship less than a year ago (thank you), but this really is the last time for many years!