I am running the London Marathon 2023 for my Grandma Olive who was diagnosed with dementia in 2017. The past years have shown me the challenges of not just those who are diagnosed with dementia but the challenges for the whole family unit.

Since 2017 we have been on the Dementia 'journey' like hundreds of thousands of other families in the UK. 

After the diagnosis my Grandad Dave and mum Julia became my Grandma's primary carers until Jan 2022 when my Grandad sadly passed away. This resulted in my grandma moving in to our house until we could no longer care for her mentally or physically.

She now lives in a local care home where we visit her regularly. Thanks to the support of dementia carers we can find comfort that she is being cared for properly like she deserves and we can now enjoy quality time with her. 

Throughout this journey, we wouldn’t have coped without the support and respite the carers and admiral nurses have provided and I want to raise as much money as a thank you and so they can continue to help others. 

I have chosen to run for Dementia UK as they specialise in providing these admiral nurses who provide essential support for families like mine. 

My Grandad's admiral nurse Vincent who helped him whilst he was caring for my Grandma was a complete support for him and we cannot thank him enough. We will never forget his kindness. 

When my Grandad first passed away, we were then helped by my Grandma's day centre, The Priory, when they didn't hesitate to up my Grandma's care hours which was a total lifeline for our family at the time. 

Finally, I am running the marathon in memory of my Grandad Dave to thank him for his care for my Grandma as at the time we didn't appreciate how difficult this must have been for him. His care was a true testament to his love for her.