Running for Alzheimer's

Over one year ago, my gran started to become ill. It wasn't noticeable at first but as she become worse she lost the ability to look after herself until the stage where she wasn't safe to live on her own. After attempting to have her remain in her home with the use of daily carers, it was decided that the best option would be for her to go into a care home. Diagnosed with vascular dementia, my gran's cognitive function will be impaired more compared to other dementia sufferers, meaning she often struggles more when it comes to talking and verbal tasks.

Affecting more than 135,000 people in the UK alone, Alzheimer's Scotland is a charity that works to provide families with support - ranging from dementia cafes to day centres. I recently took part in The Great Woman's 10k on the 5th of June to help fundraise for Alzheimer's Scotland - raising an amazing £410 for the charity.

Whilst the run itself was gruelling (it was 25 degrees and I got a very sunburnt nose), at the end I felt over the moon when I remembered what all my money was going towards. Watching a loved one suffer from Alzheimer's can be upsetting, especially when they reach a stage where they aren't able to recognise friends, family or even old photos of themselves. By providing paid carers this, like any carer for any illness, gives the family time to themselves.

Caused by the deterioration of brain cells through a type of protein, Alzheimer's can affect anybody regardless of their health, however people who suffer from strokes can be more vulnerable to vascular dementia due to the lack of blood flow to their brain. Statistics from 2013 showed that there were an estimated 86,000 people suffering from dementia in Scotland alone, with 67% of the sufferers being female.

Whilst it is somewhat uncommon, there have been studies which has shown dementia to be hereditary in families, and with other family members having suffered from the illness by contributing to the charity through my sponsored run I, in an albeit small way, feel as though I am helping contribute to the every day living of those dealing with Alzheimer's.

It is because of this that I have decided to complete another run, this one in the bitter Scottish cold in November, around the Kelpies. It is only a 5k compared to my first run, but I'm sure the weather will provide some delightful obstacles. Let the training begin!

Have you ever taken part in a charity event?