I'm riding London to Brighton in memory of my wonderful mum, who we lost to Alzheimer's & vascular dementia in November 2023.

I never thought my silly, giggly, gentle mum would become vicious, sour and unsmiling, insulting her husband of 56 years (who she utterly adored). But she did as the disease progressed. She couldn't remember how to make pastry or her famous gingerbread. She couldn't remember how to sew or knit, or even read or watch Strictly (she was a good ballroom dancer in her youth). This woman was not my mum. And yet, towards the end, her smile returned, she giggled again and was almost back to her gentle self.

It was awful to become mum's parents, to be the grown up, and reassure her when she was scared.

I'm riding to help fund research and support so others don't have to go through this and to support those already going through it.

I’m walking the South Shields Memory Walk for my mum.
She was not only my Mum but also my best friend and the most amazing, beautiful, kind and loving woman I knew.
Our lives changed on 21st of July this year when Mam passed away.
As a family we are utterly devastated by the loss of our precious Mam.
I do the walk every year but this will be harder but I’ll do in in Mam’s memory knowing she is with me every step of the way

I'm walking in memory of my mother-in-law who sadly passed after suffering from this illness and also now for my own mum who has now been diagnosed x

My grandma was diagnosed with vascular dementia and Alzheimer's quite a number of years ago now. To begin with, she didn't change much, but she did start remembering more from her past. Like many in her situation, she had a fall, went into hospital and has never been the same since. Betty was my favourite person in the whole world, genuinely so kind and caring with so many friends. All of my friends growing up also thought the world of her. She raised my mam and uncle and helped looked after my brother and I when we were younger, as well as working for the local council. She was such a laugh and just the nicest woman. I don't recognise the person she is today, and sometimes she doesn't seem to recognise me. She doesn't have any of the confidence she used to have and barely knows what's going on most days. Its completely heartbreaking. She couldn't come to my wedding this year and that really stings. Especially on the days that she remembers and knows she wasn't there.
So that's why I'm running the GNR this year.

Mum was my number one fan, and on Sunday I'll be running in memory of her, who we lost to vascular dementia in 2021. Kath Battley was the best Mum, wife, sister & Nanny to us all. We miss you everyday. xxx

We are supporting Alzheimer’s Society because this cause is very close to our hearts. After losing our father to dementia and currently supporting and caring for our mother who is suffering from Alzheimer’s, we understand the profound impact this disease has on families. Many of our friends and colleagues are facing similar losses, experiencing the heartache of watching loved ones fade away with dementia long before the time they leave us.
So we are riding 76.5 mile bike ride from Breydon Water to Breydon Carlton to raise money for Alzheimer’s Society

Running in memory of my Daddy who lost his battle 10 years ago and in support of my StepDaddy currently battling alzheimers and my wee Mum, who at 80 years old is doing her very best caring for him full time

My mam , she lost her battle with Alzheimer’s on 8/9/2017 and she was everything to me and I miss her each and every day . She had 10 children , me being the youngest and way over 100 grand /great grand children.She would have loved some of the times we had in her last few weeks and we will all treasure those memories forever. My mam was a Geordie then she moved to Leicester so it’s extra special for me to be doing the GNR as it makes me feel closer to her running in her birth town and so close to the anniversary of her passing . I know she will be with me each and every step of the way . She always loved watching the athletics so I know she would be proud of me running the GNR.
My partners dad ‘ TED ‘ also had Dementia and he was such a funny character who i could always make smile no matter what sort of a day he was having . I know he will also be with me each step of the way .
Both of them will always hold their own special place in my heart ❤️and big love to anyone with a friend or family member who is affected by this awful disease xxx

I’m running the GNR for my dad. My dad was a hard working, loving life keen & very good football in his day, he worked hard to look and support his family the very best he could but now this disease has got him, he just isn’t the man he used to be every day is a struggle & will just get worse I choose to do this run in honour of him, he won’t get better but I do hope in some way to be helping someone else.
Good luck to all love Mandy & John

I am supporting the Alzheimer's Society by running the "2025 Great North Run".

There is a very personnel family reason why I am Challenging myself to complete this half marathon, whilst raising much needed research & support funds, and this is at the fore front of MY challenge.

I may not be the fastest on the day,

I may not have the best personel health myself,

But 1 thing for certain is my ethos:

ENTER - COMPETE- COMPLETE

And I will assure everybody I will achieve THIS goal.

I hope this inspires others to challenge themselves, and believe in themselves, that

we can all try and make a difference to help / support someone else who may be less fortunate than ourselves.



God Bless & thank you for supporting and donating .

Paul A Cramphorn, OStG