Maintaining a relationship with someone you love in the later stages of Alzheimer's is really tough. Add different time zones, the North Sea and a global pandemic and it becomes nearly impossible. '

My Dad was diagnosed with Alzheimer's at 59. 10 years later he is lives in specialist residential care home, cared for by a great team who, apart from the absence of visitors, have ensured my Dad security and stability through corona. Towards the end of last year not being able to see my father, with no end in sight, became really challenging for me. William, my partner, did the only thing he knows how with a very low Polly...sent me out for a run. And out there, with my runners on and questionable 90s dance music playing, my Dad suddenly wasn't so far away and instead, he was by my side, as he has been on so many runs over the years, from Sunday afternoon trots to marathon attempts. 

So this year I have made a commitment to complete the Lands End to John O Groats challenge. A distance of 874 miles. Which just happens to be exactly the distance that separates my Norwegian farm from Dad's care home. Not much over the course of a year maybe but a challenge that requires near daily commitment and thus a daily chance to hang out with my Dad. And what a chance to raise some money for a charity that provides support and advice to families in the most difficult of circumstances, in these most difficult of times.

Update: I've done it! 874 miles! Finishing not actually in John O Groats but the playground of our local school, I crossed a line in the snow, the twins by my side, with William and some faithful friends in witness, challenge completed! 

And it has been a challenge! I have completed many other running events; a few weeks of intense training with a finale race, alongside thousands of other runners and cheering supporters. This was different, just a few short kilometres, every day... for a year! No concessions for sub zero temperatures and deep snow, sick kids or work deadlines. This was hours and hours of running by the fjord, through the mountains with only my own thoughts for company. 

At the same time as inspiring me to drag myself out of bed before dawn again and again my Dad has faced his own 2021 challenge. Like all others in his situation corona restrictions have meant another year without physical contact with his loved ones, care home lock downs, and 13 hour waits for ambulances, whose services are so overstretched. And the consequences, in the advancement of his condition, are unquestionable. 

Families of those requiring the combined support of health and social care must navigate a labyrinthine system, at a time when their emotional, and often financial, resources, are decimated. Alzheimer's Society provides a lifeline of support, advice and guidance.