On Sunday 23rd April 2023 I will be running alongside my sister Jade in the London Marathon. 

We will be running 26.2 miles in loving memory of our Grandma Elizabeth who very sadly passed away on the 5th of June this year after her battle with Dementia. We will also be running to support my Auntie Coral who is currently suffering with Alzheimer’s and for others out there that need help and support.

We are both fundraising for Alzheimer's charities and have a team page (link above). We both have a target of raising over £2,000 each. My chosen charity is Alzheimer's Society.

As a charity they are transforming the landscape of dementia. Their aim is to create a society where those affected by dementia are supported and accepted and able to live in their community without fear or prejudice.

Jade is fundraising for Alzheimer's Research UK and here is the link to her page https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/jade-bayley2

Grandma’s Story

Elizabeth first showed she had a problem in September 2017 at her husband Alan’s 80th birthday. She couldn’t cope with the noise of the rather gentle 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. I want to do all I can to raise awareness of dementia and support such a good cause to make Grandma proud.

Auntie Coral’s Story (in her words)

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. 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.


Monty

I ran my first marathon in April 2015. I was 24 at the time and a complete rookie with regards to my knowledge on running. Somehow, I managed to cross the finish line and raised a total of £2,976 for Children with Cancer UK. It was physically and mentally one of the hardest 5 hours and 13 minutes of my life, but also one of the most rewarding.

Since then, I have had my two amazing little boys, Louie and Leo. I have continued to run and learnt so much more about the sport over the years. I feel much more prepared in all aspects compared with before. My main aim is to cross the finish line in one piece, but it would be a bonus to beat my previous time even if it’s by a minute!

Thank you so much Rick for always being there with the boys when I am out running. You are the best!

Thank you so much to everyone for your support.
Love Montelle
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