In April 2023, I will run the London Marathon for Alzheimer’s Society in memory of my nan, Maisie, and Teresa, who was mum to two of my best friends - and my other Nan, Sylvia, who has very recently been diagnosed with dementia.

My nan, Maisie, died in 2017. For the last few years of her life, she was living with vascular dementia. This affected her speech, memory, movement, and ability to control her emotions. It was incredibly sad to watch my kind, happy, and fun nan, who was such a big part of mine and my brother’s childhood, change so quickly and visibly in front of our eyes.

Teresa, mum to Mike and Dave, passed in September 2022 having lived with dementia for almost ten years. As someone who was ahead of her time in understanding the link between physical and mental health, I am running in Teresa’s memory, and in recognition of the impact dementia has on family members.

The Alzheimer's Society help families and individuals affected by these diseases to realise that they are not alone; they support valuable research to build the knowledge to fight Alzheimer's and ease the lives of those who live with the condition; and they fight stigma and negative attitudes to dementias. 

I hope I can bring awareness, and raise important funds, to help Alzheimer’s Society carry out their important work - whilst remembering and celebrating much loved family members and friends.

This will be the biggest physical challenge of my life. But one I’m excited to take on. All donations will be very much appreciated - and give me extra motivation during the cold and wet winter training runs!

Thank you for taking the time to read this. 

Martin x