My grandmother Ella was in many ways just like me. Stubborn and hot-headed, yes. But also clever and cultured and loyal. I owe to her influence my boundless love of reading and my terrible mastery of the piano. She was a teacher, a musician, a book-lover, a traveller, an important part of her local community – and much more than that.

So when she was diagnosed with vascular dementia in 2008, our family struggled as Gran lost her memories, her talents, her passions, her quirks, her words, her body, her home and her independence. Because Alzheimer’s doesn’t care who you are or what you’ve done, in the end it only cares about the art of losing.

This May, I’ll be running the Edinburgh Half Marathon to fundraise for Alzheimer Scotland. When we didn’t know what to do, they did. 

Alzheimer Scotland is the leading dementia organisation in Scotland. They campaign for the rights of people with dementia and their families, and provide an extensive range of personalised support services.

Please help me on my way to finish line. And if not for me, then for the 90,000 people in Scotland today who need Alzheimer Scotland’s help more than ever.

Thank you. Nx

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