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.

Dementia has affected our family, like so many others, and I want to help The Alzheimer's Society to help other families going through what we have been through. They say that with dementia, you lose a loved one twice. I now know exactly what that means!

Over the next year, I shall complete a number of events, in the memory of my Dad and Donna's Grandad, and their memories will help keep me committed to the training, and for the tough events I have selected.

I start on Sunday 10th October with The Shrewsbury Half Marathon. Shrewsbury will always be 'home' to me. It is where I was born and brought up and dad still lived in the family home until shortly before his death in 2020. I signed up for the event in his front room in 2019 before Covid had even been heard of, fully expecting him to be at the finish line with that big smile of his.....its going to be an emotional day!

My next event is The Croyde Ocean Triathlon, on 10th July 2022. North Devon is another special place for our family. Our family holidays were spent there, usually at Saunton but also spending time in Croyde, Woolacombe and Ilfracombe. This Olympic distance triathlon is promoted as 'Stunning and Savage' and ranked in the Top 10 toughest triathlons in the World by 220 Triathlon, and in Red Bulls 'must do' events in the UK. Having found the sea swim in the North Sea for Redcar tough this year, I am genuinely fearful of the North Devon coast and its surfer beach waves!! Still, if it was easy, everyone would do it, right??

Into September, and I shall be completing The Geordieman half triathlon, a 1.2 mile lake swim, 56 mile ride along the Northumberland Coast, and half marathon run around Druridge Bay. I have lived in the North East now for over half my life, mum and dad loved visiting the area and we would invariably visit the coast with the dogs when they came up. Since her own illness Mum was a great lover of the coast and the healing powers of the seaside.

The final event, in the memory of Donna's Grandad, is The Loch Ness Marathon on October 2nd 2022. Many of Donna's happiest childhood memories were spent with family in Scotland, so it seems fitting to complete this iconic Scottish event, in one of the most beautiful and famous parts of Scotland. The tough course, set amongst stunning scenery and with a fabulous atmosphere will certainly be a fitting end to my challenge.

Thanks for reading my 'why'. If you are able to support me and help The Alzheimers Society it will be greatly appreciated.