As most people know I took up running at the age of 50. I decided to do it for the sake of my health. Since doing so though my family have suffered a double trauma. In December 2017, my wife's brother Graham died following a stroke. He was 54. So I decided then to use my new found love for running to raise some valuable funds for the Stroke Association. I did their 10k resolution run. During the build up to that I lost my father. Dad was a wonderfully kind and caring man. One of the last things he did through Mum was donate to my run. Running enables me now to keep his image going through my head. I miss him more than I ever thought possible.

But Dad was also a practical man - life has to go on. And so has my running. That's why I'm now doing the Brighton Half marathon in his memory. It'll be almost a year to the day since he died when I pound the streets of Brighton. And I'll be doing it for Alzheimer's because it was one of the illnesses he suffered from.

I have fantastic support from lots of people - one or two people stand out especially since I took up running. And I've managed to convince my old University mate Ryan "Scoopy" Jones to run with me - well it won't be with me - he's probably twice as fast as me. But I have to get round. For Dad. And I will. And like Dad I'm having a cup of tea at the end of the run

One of the other added bonuses of running has been a chance to rediscover music in my life. But knowing I'm likely to need to listen to music for two hours non-stop I need some help. So for every donation of £10 you can choose a song to go on my Brighton Half marathon playlist. It'll be a very diverse range of music - I started it with a song from Glenn Miller for Dad and one for Graham - Ally's brother - by the Sex Pistols. So almost anything you choose should fit in between those two

Alzheimer’s Society is transforming the landscape of dementia forever.Until the day we find a cure, we will create a society where those affected by dementia are supported and accepted, able to live in their community without fear or prejudice.

So thanks for donating. Every like on my social media pages keep me going. It means a huge amount to me. As does every donation

Lots of love to you - and to my Dad