My Story

I've run marathons before in my twenties but I did it for me, no one else. Next year I'm turning 50, but I'm now running for mum - in her memory, and to raise money for others battling dementia.

Mum had a miserable time with dementia battling with her mobility and cognition over a few years before we knew what it was and even then she refused to accept it. She battled on - defiant and angry - and for the most part of her final year it was a living nightmare for mum and dad and all of us that loved her. There were glimmers of sunshine amidst the storm but it was so tough for her, for Dad and her loving family and friends. We lost mum way before she passed away - but amazingly she knew who we all were until the very end. For that, we will be forever grateful.

We were able to fund private live in care for mum's final months ensuring mum stayed at home until her last breath. We were lucky. How we would have coped without that live in care, when most care homes would have refused to take mum due to her complex condition, we do not know. So I'm running for Dementia UK to help other families living with dementia get support. I hope you'll be able to sponsor me and support this fantastic charity. 

Mum - you were a force of nature - fun loving, kind, honest, unfiltered, immensely funny and totally bonkers. I love you forever and hope I make you proud xxx