Matt’s Marathon

My Dad was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in early 2022 and is cared for by my Mum. Since his diagnosis, things have got progressively harder for them both with Dad needing support for everyday tasks now. As is often the case in these circumstances, the wellbeing of the carer suffers because they inevitably have to do so much. Looking after someone with dementia is emotionally draining and incredibly difficult and I know my Mum isn’t able to do the things she would like because she puts my Dad ahead of everything.

Last year, Dad started going to The Linlithgow Day Care Centre. This allows my Mum to have some time of her own so she can do as little or as much as she likes, and it gives my Dad a change of scene, a place to make friends and have some fun in a safe, comfortable environment. The Centre is run by a charity and like most charities, it struggles financially. Its existence is a lifeline for the community, the people who are cared for by the staff within it and the people who rely on it for their loved ones. The importance of places that offer respite, care and compassion to those who need it must never be overlooked and I wanted to try and help my Mum and Dad, and all the many other people who depend on the Centre, by raising some money to help its funding. The staff who look after my Dad on a regular basis go to great lengths to make sure he enjoys himself and I’m truly grateful for everything they do.

I love sport and the outdoors, but I’ve never run a marathon before. While I love a good 10K run over the moor in the sunshine where I live, running a much longer distance on the road will be a real challenge for me. Over the last year I’ve got back into running again and when my family and I went to watch the participants Running For Rob last year, I felt deep down that it was an event I wanted to take part in the year after. So here I am.

I’m running the Leeds Marathon for my Dad, my Mum, all the amazing staff at the Linlithgow Day Care Centre and everyone they care for. And I will cross the finish line.