This run is incredibly personal for me due to my mum's mixed dementia, Alzheimer's and vascular dementia. Her warmth, kindness and selflessness make her loved by everyone she meets, yet the spark and confidence she once had have started to dwindle.

My brother and I know she will gradually fade and become more of a stranger to us and we will to her as this devastating condition saps her ability to interact with the world. Any and all progress made by research into this terrible condition may be too late for our mum but others, and their families, can be spared the pain of suffering.

Please give what you can as I embark on a difficult challenge. An ex rugby player turned marathon runner is not an easy transition, but isn't that the point? The struggle of training for this race pales in comparison to the anguish and confusion felt by those with Alzheimer's.

Let's make the target £1500 something that can be surpassed with ease and allow researchers to make the breakthroughs needed.

1 in 3 people will be diagnosed with dementia in their lifetime.

1.4 million people are expected to be living with dementia by 2040.

Dementia is the UK's biggest health and social care crisis.

Need I say more?