To my beautiful, fun and loving grandma.

Grandma has stage 2 Alzheimer's Dementia and Vascular Dementia.

I never knew what dementia was before she was diagnosed, but gosh, I know about it now. They call it the slow death, and that is exactly what it is. Losing a loved one before they've properly gone.

This year I've decided to take part in the Great North Run alongside my wonderful Auntie, to raise precious pennies to support families facing dementia.

We're running because we understand first hand how Dementia has impacted her life as well as ours and we want to help other families who are struggling, and to raise awareness for this awful disease.

Dementia is a huge and growing health crisis. Almost all of us will know someone with dementia, whether it's a family member or a friend. There is no cure for dementia. But there is care. And care can change lives.

Every penny is a huge motivation to remind us why we are running, and scheduling in a fitness regime, meals plans, resistance training, gait analysis, combating chub rub, overcoming the dreaded sports bra purchases, crying through blisters, shin splints and smelly feet etc 🤣😫

Dementia UK is the specialist dementia nurse charity. Our nurses, called Admiral Nurses, provide life-changing care to families affected by all forms of dementia, including Alzheimer's 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.