Story
In 1 month time I’m going to be lugging myself around the London marathon, for a cause that couldn’t be closer to me really. 8 years ago, my Dad was diagnosed with Cadasil.
Now I’m sure most of you will have never heard of Cadasil, I certainly hadn't - but it sucks.
CADASIL is characterised by multiple strokes and migraines, which unfortunately often progresses to dementia. Other symptoms include cognitive deterioration, seizures, vision problems, and psychiatric problems such as severe depression and changes in behaviour and personality.
Sadly Cadasil doesn’t hang around until an adult is in an elderly stage of life, it can take hold and become evident in middle aged individuals and some can show signs as young as 19.
My Dad is not an old man, but is suffering from a condition you would usually associate with someone 20 years older. It makes life difficult not just for the patient but for the loved ones around them also.
Cadasil was only ‘discovered’ in 1993, so in medical terms we haven’t known about it for very long so research is still very much ongoing.
I’m running this marathon for Brain Research UK, the leading national funder dedicated to research into neurological conditions. Their vision is a world where everyone with a neurological condition lives better, longer.
You might not be aware of this but 1 in 6 of us has a neurological condition and 1 in 5 deaths are due to a neurological condition so Brain Research UK’s work is absolutely paramount.
I’m proud to be running for this charity and proud of my Dad and Mum, for defiantly cracking on with life with their heads held high.
I would be enormously grateful if you could sponsor me to help this brilliant charity - thank you so much.
Looking forward to seeing some of you there on April 23rd!