On 2nd April 2023, I will be taking on the huge challenge of running the London Landmarks Half Marathon on behalf of Dementia UK. Why?

For the last 8 years, I have been working in the homecare industry, speaking with people on a daily basis who have a family member or loved one who has reached the point where they can no longer live by themselves and need full-time support. A large percentage of those people are living with a form of dementia and their families are reaching out to us in crisis mode, through desperation, as the person they have known their whole lives is no longer recognisable. Some of them, we are able to help. Others just need the advice and guidance of an expert to help them understand and support their loved ones. That is when Dementia UK can help.

Dementia UK is a specialist dementia nurse charity. Their nurses, known as Admiral Nurses, who they continually support and develop, provide life-changing care for families affected by all forms of dementia – including Alzheimer’s disease.

Their nurses are there when people need help. They have the time to listen and the knowledge to solve problems. As dementia specialists, Admiral Nurses help families manage complex needs – considering the person living with dementia and the people around them – and they can advise other healthcare professionals.

For families affected by dementia, they can be a lifeline.

When people are struggling, Admiral Nurses help them take back control. They help people living with dementia to stay independent for longer, and support the people caring for them so they have the strength to cope with the bad days, and the energy to enjoy the good days.

Admiral Nurses give people the quality of care that we would all want for ourselves and our loved ones – and they are working hard to increase the number of nurses across the UK so no one has to face dementia alone.

Any donation that you can give towards this cause can make an enormous difference.