Every three minutes, someone develops dementia. Alzheimer's, the disease my Grandma passed away from in 2013, is the most common cause of dementia. More than 520,000 people in the UK have dementia caused by Alzheimer’s disease, with 40,000 of these below the age of 65.

Through research, we’re learning more about dementia every day. Researchers are working with people with dementia and their families to look into the causes of dementia. They’re looking at how it might be prevented and diagnosed earlier, and how to improve quality of life for people living with the condition. The more we understand, the more we can do to help people stay independent and live the life they want for as long as possible.

Support and treatments are currently available that can help with symptoms and managing daily life. These can allow people with dementia to lead active, purposeful lives and carry on doing the things that matter to them most. Sadly, as with everything, this research lacks the funding it so desperately needs. 

By running the London Marathon I hope to raise awareness of this disease. More importantly, emphasising the role we can all play in ensuring a future free from dementia. As part of my fundraising campaign, I am aiming to not only run 26.2 miles but commit to a series of challenges (one a month) up until race day on October 2nd 2022. If you are interested in tracking these challenges, please follow me on Instagram @oscarfulller.

For now, every penny you donate, big or small, is making sure we can be there for people affected by dementia. As a personal goal of my own, I am aiming to run this marathon in under 3hrs 24mins (just to beat my dads PB). If you would like to help motivate me in reaching this target, please make a single, separate, donation of £2 titled 'Run, Oscar, Run'. I will total this bonus up the day before the race and match whatever has been raised from this, whether I succeed or not!

How your donation will help: 

£5 will help provide our Dementia Guide which is a lifeline.  £5 brings 8 guides to people trying to make sense of a diagnosis of dementia. 

£10 means that 10 people could find vital support services -both local and and virtual-through the Dementia Directory online resource.  Not only will these groups help them to live well with their condition but will also keep them connected to other people. 

£25 could provide 2 hours of specialist advice via the Dementia Connect Support Line.  With people more isolated than ever before, it's critical that people affected by dementia can speak to an expert on the Dementia Connect Support Line seven days a week