Support Jess in her first Half Marathon for Dementia UK

By the time you finish this sentance someone in the world would have developed dementia.

The terifying thing is, by 2040, 1.4 million people across the UK are expected to have dementia. This upwards trend in diagnosis is not being met by the number of qualified workers. This means that in the near future, it is likely that the someone you care about being diagnosed and not receiving the support. We can change that.. together.

My Nana (Helen Jones) got diagnosed with dementia in 2016. It was my first exposure to someone I knew with dementia. At first it seemed silly, my dad would tell me stories how Nana would put sasauges in the kettle when offering to make a cup of tea. I remember giggling about how funny this was. But as time progressed, the stories got darker, it soon became difficult to use humour as a way to cope. The stories were now told by my dad who wore hallow eyes and a broken heart. My heart yearned for my Grandad who remained by her side for the years to come, for the man who watched the woman he fell in love with morph into a stranger. My dad tried to protect me from what dementia truly is but it stull breaks my heart until this day.

Nana passed peacefully in 2021. For the last year of her life she was looked after by wonderul nurses who did their best to keep her happy, calm and safe in her final moments. Without kind hearted people like that, I do not know how we would have coped alone.

That is why I am raising money for Dementia UK. Not only is the cause close and dear to my heart, but is a charity which makes a significant impact and difference to both workers,patients and famlies alike. The money raised goes towards improving care, supporting impacted familys and providing education about Dementia.

Just as carers do every day, I am pushing myself out of my comfort zone to run my first half marathon of 21km (13Mi).

November last year I torn my ITB band running 5K. I did not expect myself to be racing in a 21K race less than a year later, especially for a charity so dear to my heart. The average woman my age (18-34y/o) will finish a half marathon in 2:08:00, so I am setting my goal as completing it in sub 1:45:00. This is going to be the hardest thing I have done to date so I appreciate any help or support from my dear friends and family.

Dementia has to be the most evilest form of illness so I will be wearing my bip proud next Sunday. If you find yourself in London at this time, please come and support me and my fellow fundraisers in running the royal parks half marathon on 13/10/2024. 9am start @ Hyde park.

This one’s for you Nana and Taid