Too sedentary, getting a bit flabby, totally unfit at age 55… so of course I signed up to do a paddleboarding/mountain biking/trail running triathlon - just three months away. From a standing start - actually sitting mostly, and too much - having done none of these things to any degree for years, now I need to knock out a 3km paddle, 15km cycle and 5km run back-to-back(-to-back). Fairly modest that may be, but I was still thinking the running might kill me, especially straight after the other two.

Then someone suggested I do it as a fundraising challenge.

I’ve been lucky not to lose any family before their time; grandparents I didn’t see much, a would-be stepfather I didn’t know very long. But we did lose someone very important a couple of years ago.

My father-in-law was a kind, clever, hard-working family man who was generous in every way - his spirit, time, money… booze. Robin helped me no end - with everything from cars and campervans to kid care, tools to travel adventures - and would always help anyone with anything without question.

He should have lived forever, but dementia took him in no time at all. The talented, dedicated eye surgeon for decades never saw it coming. Nobody did. Nobody could.

The caring dad who found new meaning in life as a granddad to my children and who saved the sight of thousands could do nothing to save himself, and quietly watched everything disappear before his own eyes.

He must’ve been so scared but was far too proud and stoical to let on; to share his terrifying burden with the rest of us, until he had no choice.

Instead we could do nothing but watch that wretched disease turn his remarkable brain to mush, literally within months. He was lost and then we lost him.

Robin meant so much to so many, and some of those to whom he meant the most are the people who mean the most to me.

So I’m putting in the miles, sweat, soreness and swearing in support of Alzheimer’s Research UK, and will paddle, ride and run for Robin, for those who loved him - and because I feel like this disease is coming for all of us.

Alzheimer's Research UK is apparently the UK's leading dementia research charity, funding world-class pioneering scientists to find preventions, treatments and a cure for dementia.

Many of you will have had, be having or can expect to have experience with it - I think everyone will - so please give anything you can… even if it’s just a good luck wish, because I’ll need it!

the event (ignore the dates - mine’s July 13): www.supbikerun.co.uk