1^st May 2019:

“Let’s all enter the ballot” says younger brother Matt, with several marathons and many fast miles under his running belt.
“Yes ok” says younger sister Katie, also having done marathons before.
"Alright then, for a laugh” say I, the non-runner. After all, I think, what are the odds?

9^th October 2019:

“Congratulations Emma, you have secured a place!”

I will never forget the feeling I had when I opened that email. I went hot, then cold, broke into a sweat.  People around me asked if I was ok, I think I'd gone pale.  This can’t be happening!

"Brilliant!" says Matt. "I'll get a place too then we can do it together."  Hmm. 

3 years of denial, 2 roll overs, 26 parkruns, 1 half marathon, 1 metric marathon, 3 physio appointments, 1 sports massage (ow!) and 5 months of training later, I am just days away from running London Marathon. Something I did not think I would ever do, in fact swore blind I wouldn’t!  It took me a long time to realise how lucky I am to have this place, how amazing it is to even have a chance of taking on this challenge. And when I realised that, I became determined to get to the start line. This is once in a lifetime. 

The beginning of training late last year coincided with when I started to work at Alzheimer’s Society, where I was immediately struck by how fiercely determined everyone is to make a difference for people affected by dementia.  It is such a cruel disease and there is a long way to go before it is given the recognition and investment it needs into both research and services – in the meantime Alzheimer’s Society teams are there to provide help, and hope, for people living with dementia, families and carers. And we will not give up. If you are able, please make a donation to support this fantastic organisation.  Together my brother and I can hopefully raise a decent amount.  

Training certainly hasn’t gone to plan. It’s been a logistical and mental challenge as well as a physical one. I’ve learned a lot about myself in the process, and it turns out having a stubborn streak is really helpful!  Week by week I have surprised myself, loving running on the cold frosty mornings, in the sunshine along the canal, even in the rain (sometimes). Long runs, short runs, slow runs, faster runs... eat sleep run repeat... At several points I have wondered why on earth am I doing this. I am baffled by my recent longest solo run of 21 miles, which despite the pain I finished with a smile. 

This is one of the hardest things I have ever done, but it pales into insignificance compared to the challenges faced by people affected by dementia. I will get to that finish line. 

My brother Matt has a championship place for London after smashing Berlin last year.  He is fantastic inspiration.  He is way faster than me, and will probably be finished before I am even halfway, but if he can run a marathon, so can I.  That's the competitive sibling in me - though I am resigned to the fact I won't beat him at this!  

Thank you for your support, it means a lot. Every donation will make a difference and will help us through the streets of London. 

Wish us luck 💙

Alzheimer’s Society is transforming the landscape of dementia forever. Until the day we find a cure, we will create a society where those affected by dementia are supported and accepted, able to live in their community without fear or prejudice.