I'm running the London Marathon in memory of my grandmother, Joy Stewart. Joy (Nanoo to us) was a truly remarkable woman; fiercely determined, strong willed, resourceful, and above all else, practical. When I picture her, I see her in paint splatter clothes, surrounded by an array tools in one of the many rooms she restored with her own hands, or face to the ground digging out every last weed in the garden with her screw driver. Seven years before her death, Nanoo was diagnosed with dementia, a cruel disease that slowly strips a person of who they are. Bit by bit, our family was forced to encroach on the independence she dearly valued. The demands of this disease are only growing, and more and more families know the strain it puts not only on the individual, but their whole support network.

I'm running the London Marathon to raise money for Dementia UK. Dementia UK is the specialist dementia nurse charity. Their nurses provide life-changing care to families affected by all forms of dementia, including Alzheimers disease. They help people with dementia stay independent for longer, and support the people caring for them so they have the strength to cope with the bad days, and the energy to enjoy the good days. They have the time to listen and the knowledge to solve problems, helping families take back control when they are struggling.

Thank you for any donation you feel you are able to make. After the last few years, the services provided by Dementia UK are more vital to helping families than ever.