My Big Half Story

On the morning of The Big Half, I’ll stand at the start line at Tower Bridge, knowing I’m not just about to run 13.1 miles to Greenwich Park.

I’m running towards the strongest version of myself.

I’m a mum of two and a nursing student, rebuilding my life in steady, determined steps. Training for this race hasn’t just been about fitness. It’s been about discipline. About keeping promises to myself. About proving that I can start something and see it through.

There were times in my life where I felt stuck. Doubt crept in. Exhaustion hit hard. But running is honest. It doesn’t care about yesterday’s mistakes or tomorrow’s fears. It asks one thing: take the next step.

Every early morning run has been a quiet decision to grow.
Every mile has reminded me that resilience isn’t loud. It’s consistent.

I want my children to see that strength doesn’t mean never struggling. It means getting up anyway. Moving anyway. Believing anyway.

When I cross that finish line, I already know how it will unfold.
First, the tears. Relief and pride mixing together.
Then my arms in the air, because I did it.
And finally, the hug. The tight, grounding hug that says: we did this.

This race isn’t just about a medal.

It’s about momentum.
It’s about health.
It’s about stepping fully into the next chapter of my life.

And when I finish, I won’t just have completed 13.1 miles.

I’ll have proved to myself that I don’t stay down.

Next Monday, 2nd March I make the 11 hour journey down to by Land's End, ready to start my 1,111 mile trek to John O'Groats by foot raising money for Alzheimer's Research. Dave, my dad-in-law passed at the end of December and this trek is dedicated to his memory and I'll be listening to Terry Pratchett's Discworld all the way who we also lost to what he called "the embuggerance" far too early & missed by so many.

This story is about my nan plus the whole family. the main thing is seeing my grandad become a silent anchor, spending his days patiently navigating the same repeated questions and keeping her safe with a steady, heartbreaking devotion. Meanwhile, my mum balances the exhausting physical demands of caregiving with the emotional weight of losing her own mother one forgotten memory at a time. This plus the fact everyone has a different way of dealing with this plus the sadness of a very sad to end of life for my grandmother is the main reason I have chosen to fundraise. I personally believe no one should have to go through this and if i could do anything to change this i would. The main things here is how we all support each other even with such an illness being present in my grandads life, plus her daughters.

I have attatched a photo of my grandad and my grandma as I feel thats the most appropriate.

Dementia has deeply affected both of our families. Ryan’s grandparents both lived with dementia, and Eva’s two grandmothers also experienced the condition. Watching loved ones lose their memories, independence, and sense of self is heartbreaking, and it impacts entire families.

That’s why we’re taking on Three Summits for Alzheimer’s — climbing three Scottish hills in June to raise money and awareness for Alzheimer’s Society. Every step we take is for our grandparents, for families facing dementia today, and for those who may face it in the future.

My nan Elizebeth or “mama” as we call her, has Alzheimer’s ,and watching her change over time has been both heartbreaking and eye-opening. She is from Liverpool , and for 50+ years was a school teacher. She was always the centre of our family alongside our grandad- warm, funny, as well as fiercely Scouse (and proud of it). Now, dementia has slowly changed her into an unrecognisable person.

She is often very, very anxious and confused and often does not recognise me or my youngest sister lucia. There are moments when she looks at us with uncertainty and asks who we are and why we are there, as though we are strangers in our own home. It is painful and hurtful sometimes. She also often believes my dad, who is now 50 years old, is still a young schoolboy. She asks if he has done his homework or wonders why he isn’t home from school yet. It feels like she is living in a different time, one that feels very real to her. Almost like in her own little bubble.

One of the hardest parts has been her wandering. She frequently goes out late at night for various reasons like needing to go to church thinking it is midday, and becomes lost, which is frightening for all of us. We worry constantly about her safety, especially in the darker, colder hours.

As a paramedic, i frequently see the horrific effects dementia can have on lots of people as well as families. I am doing a charity swim in support of Dementia UK because I want to turn the sadness and extreme helplessness we sometimes feel into something positive. I want to raise awareness of how devastating dementia can be for families like ours, and to help fund the incredible support that families so desperately need. If sharing our story and pushing myself physically can make even a small difference, then it will mean so much and i would do it 100 times over

A close friend of mine is currently facing the difficult reality of her father’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis, and I wanted to show my support in a meaningful way. Running this half marathon and raising funds for Alzheimer’s research is my way of honouring both her strength and her father’s journey. Through her experience, I’ve learned a great deal about this illness and the profound impact it has not only on those living with it, but also on the families who support them every day.

My great aunt was diagnosed with Dementia back in Covid. And they think the trauma of Covid and her husband dying triggered it. She’s been in amazing care home the last year and unfortunately suddenly died on Valentine’s Day a couple of days ago. Even though she had severe dementia she still never lost her humour so I will be running the Manchester marathon for her!