In April 2026, I’ll be taking on the challenge of a lifetime — running the Schneider Electric Paris Marathon!

As well as relishing a new challenge I am also raising money for Alzheimer's Research UK.

In 2012 my dad, Allan, was diagnosed with Vascular dementia. Sadly he passed away in 2020, three days after the birth of my son, his grandson Henry.

Dad was a highly respected farmer and I will always think of him tending to his beloved sheep, riding his bike, or popping to the post office in his truck engulfed in the sound of jazz music or Radio 4 coming from the stereo, as well as a barking dog! 

Dad loved his life on and off the farm. Caring for him through his slow decline was difficult for all of the family, including my three sisters, but particularly for Mum.

Dementia is a cruel disease and I know many others who have witnessed a similar decline of a loved one. That's why I hope while I'm jogging around the streets of Paris I'm doing something small to contribute to finding a way to make the lives of others facing this disease that little bit better.

Approximately one million people that are living with dementia in the UK today. The first treatments that can slow Alzheimer's disease are now on the horizon. We are at a tipping point in dementia research. Every penny goes towards driving forward the search for a cure. Whether you donate £5 or £50, every little bit helps.

Running a marathon is not going to be easy, and I hope my dodgy knee doesn't give me any grief on the day or during the next few months of training. But what will keep me going through it all is running on behalf of the charity that has given me the chance to take part in it.

Thank you for your support.

Phil