On Sunday 23rd April 2023 my sister and I will be running 26.2 miles in the London Marathon. My target is to raise £2,200 for Alzheimer's Research UK. We will be running in loving memory of our Grandma Elizabeth who very sadly passed away on the 5th of June this this year after her battle with Dementia. We will also be running to support our Auntie Coral who is currently suffering with Alzheimer’s and for others out there that need help and support. 

Grandma’s Story

My Grandma first showed she had a problem in September 2017 at my Grandads 80th birthday. She couldn’t cope with the noise of the quiet jazz music. Over the next three years she deteriorated, and the consultant confirmed she was going through early-stage dementia. Eventually she couldn’t focus on daily tasks, was completely ‘lost’ in shops, and couldn’t make decisions on purchases. After a few days in hospital in October 2020 the consultant diagnosed she needed immediate residential care so within two days it was arranged for her to be moved directly into a care home. She never asked why and never mentioned her own home again! She had severe ‘sundowner’ syndrome where she got ready for bed as soon as it was dark, but then wouldn’t go to bed but just wandered around in the evening. She lost all interest in TV programs as she couldn’t concentrate. She was the most thoughtful and caring person and always put others first. She would have done absolutely anything for her family and was so loved by her husband, daughters, grandchildren and family and friends. She had the best support team. My Grandad and Auntie Aly could not have chosen a better care home for her. The staff were brilliant. Elizabeth died on 5 June 2022 of a combination of dementia and Covid 19. We all miss her so much, especially my lovely mum. We want to do all we can to raise awareness of dementia and support such a good cause to make Grandma proud.

Auntie Coral’s Story

In January 2019 I had hip replacement surgery, it was at this point that I began the journey of an Alzheimer’s sufferer. This was the beginning of the change in my health. I was totally unaware that I was repeating myself and under performing at work. I was very happy working for the Home Office based at Gatwick Airport. It was a fabulous job which I thoroughly enjoyed and still miss after three years. My then Manager, invited me to a meeting where she told me I had choices - retirement or dismissal. Obviously, the former was the only option, my mistake was not to get the Union involved. I was very fortunate to see an advert looking for people with my condition to join a clinical trial of a new drug to combat Alzheimer’s Disease. I am proud and happy to be part of this trial and hope that there will be a breakthrough for those affected by Alzheimer’s. I still live alone and more importantly the DVLA have allowed me to retain my driving license on a year-to-year basis. Having my independence is very important.