You all know of my strong link to my second home, Scotland, but a few of you know just how special my time there was made by Laura and John, who after a while, very much became my Scottish 'adopted' grandparents.

It's not often in life that you meet people who feel like family, but we were incredibly lucky to gain an extra set of grandparents in Laura & John.

I'm running the London Marathon in 2024 in memory of John, who sadly passed away a few years ago from dementia. I'm also running it in honour of Laura, who is in the later stages of dementia at the moment.

Losing John to dementia was incredibly painful for us but we are grateful to Alzheimer Scotland for helping us navigate the situation as he got ill.

Sadly, just a couple of years later, Laura also started to develop dementia. Not helped by COVID and the isolation during lockdown, her condition got worse quickly. But Laura was always a fighter and such a strong woman. Even though she is struggling to remember us now, she is always in good spirits and still loves watching the rugby together or listening to her favourite musicals.

Communication isn't easy, but every time we see her, we get a chance to revisit some of our happiest memories together. Laura taught me how to cook. Those of you who love my cheesecakes? You have Laura to thank for teaching me how to make them all those years ago! My sister still gets me to make Chicken Mayer like Laura did, as one of her favourite dishes from when we moved to Glasgow... Laura and John attended school recitals, saw us graduate from school and uni, mended our hearts when we went through break-ups and always inspired us with their stories. John inspired an interest in rugby and Laura always revelled in talking about her favourite musicals and films. They never had children of their own and they truly made us feel like family.

Those of you who have seen loved ones suffer from dementia know just how heartbreaking it is. This is why I'm so grateful for the work Alzheimer Scotland did, and still does, to support people suffering from dementia and their families. They provided so much support to Laura when she was caring for John as his dementia got worse - in understanding how it was affecting him and what she could do. Their resources were incredibly helpful to us in supporting Laura, and John, and finding out how we can best aid her in caring for him.

The support isn't just for those who are directly affected by dementia. It takes an incredible toll on the families and loved ones as well. Seeing your loved one struggling to remember you or your memories together, explaining why they can't come home when you visit them, having good days - where you relive joyful memories together, and bad days - where they lash out at you because they cannot remember... every day brings a different kind of heartbreak. Charities like Alzheimer Scotland are essential in supporting people and families going through this together.

Growing up I saw my grandma looking after my great grandmother who sadly passed away from dementia too. And I wish there was more support for her and the family. It has really made me appreciate the difference charities like Alzheimer Scotland make.

This is why I'm running for Alzheimer Scotland. Thank you for taking the time to read my story and for your donations - your support will continue to help people and families affected by dementia in Scotland!