Hi Guys & Girls,

As many of you know I have decided to run the Brighton Marathon in April 2018 to help raise money for Alzheimer's Research UK.

What many of you don't know is why I am raising money for this great charity. 

Like many people, the most I knew about Alzheimer's/Dementia was through movies and what I had picked up in conversation but I had never seen its true effects first hand until recently.

Two years ago my partner Ellie's Dad Mike suffered a severe stoke, whereby he had a bleed on the brain, he spent weeks in ICU under an induced coma. At first survival wasn't even guaranteed and IF he pulled through, no one could predict the outcome after such trauma to the brain. The stroke left a devastating impact and accelerated Frontotemporal Dementia, also known as FTD. And just like that, once he came around from his coma - he was never going to be the same. 

The word ‘frontotemporal’ refers to the lobes of the brain that are damaged in this type of dementia. The frontal lobes of the brain, found behind the forehead, deal with behaviour, problem-solving, planning and the control of emotions. An area of the left frontal lobe also controls speech. 

Mike is not old. Until the day of his stroke at just 68 he was very healthy, well travelled, incredibly smart, always positvie with a brilliantly witty sense of humour. He is one of the most genuinely kind, interesting, loving men I've ever met, who welcomed me with open arms into his family. He loves people and has all the time in the world for everyone he meets. He's a true gemtleman who's just been dealt a horribly unfair hand.

Over the last 2 years, I have seen the devastating effects this disease has had on Mike and the family. He now has to be in full-time care, can no longer walk and as his brain shuts down further he struggles to eat or even have the ability to ask for water. He is deteriorating at an ever-increasing rate. Some days are a little better than others but one thing's certain, he still manages to smile when he sees his children. I've witnessed some very moving moments between Mike and Ellie that reflect a truly heartwarming father/daughter bond that's still very much alive in this dark and unforgiving period. We are now on borrowed time and there's sadly no guarantee he will continue to recognise us before long. We are working hard to make sure Mike is comfortable and well cared for during the time he has left. 

Being part of Mike's life these last few years has not only shown me how mercliess this disease is but it's also put into perspective how life is short and extremely precious. Through all this pain I have been inspired to live life to the fullest like Mike once did, give something back and strive to reach my goals and aspirations.

I am one of the lucky ones who still has their parents to whom I can share stories, go to the pub and celebrate successes with but not everyone has that opportunity anymore. This is why I want to help raise £500+ for this amazing charity by running the Brighton Marathon on Sunday 15th April.

If you have the ability to sponsor me for this great cause no matter how big or small, it will be appreciated more than you could know. Or any words of support would be just as great..........I am going to need it!!!!!

Many thanks

Ben