My dad was diagnosed with Alzheimer's in 2018, and I am acutely aware of the impact it has on a family (especially my mum). My dad is famous for having a brilliant brain (16 O'levels and 7 A levels!), regular winner of Trivial Pursuit (without cheating!), an avid reader, and a font of knowledge. To be honest it seems like it is mostly still there, he just can't remember the words, which is obviously frustrating for him.

In 2019 I took my daughter (then 9), to the Body Worlds Exhibition in London. There we watched an excellent animation Retrogenese by Suus Hessling (check it out on YouTube), which explained so well what dementia is, with the reality that there is no cure, or ability to reverse. That hit home hard for both of us.

At the start of 2020 I started my running journey, on March 7th just before the first lockdown I ran my first 5km race, in October I ran a 10km, and then in January 2021, I did a virtual half marathon in a sub-2 hour time. In 2021 I ran the Brighton Marathon, and strangely enjoyed it! So this year I thought I do some more and try and raise some more money for Alzheimer’s Society.

Never feel that your actions are so small, you can't make a difference.

 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.

You can find Retrogenese at this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nTDzNougjR8