Georgina, aged 23, is taking on the 2022 TCS London Marathon for Alzheimer’s Society in honour of her grandad, Brian, who sadly passed away from dementia. Here, she shares her experience.

“My grandad, Brian, was diagnosed with dementia while I was in secondary school. Unless you’ve been affected by dementia in some way, it’s hard to comprehend the heart-breaking impact it has on the people you love.

“To see someone get upset or frustrated because they can’t do what they used to, to see their memory deteriorate and to not remember some or all their life – it can't be put into words.

“I would go round to my grandparents’ house a few times a week and my grandad would always give me the brightest smile and ask how I was. On the darkest of days, his smile truly lit up the room.

“When asked how he was, he would always reply with a ‘Not too bad, not too bad,’ even when I could see he was unwell. This reflects how selfless he really was – he was forever asking how others were doing, forever putting others first.

“My grandad’s favourite bird was a robin, and the same one appears at the house to this day. Whenever I see a robin now I smile and think of him. It’s a reminder to always treasure the moments we have with the people we love the most.

“My grandad taught me something important throughout his battle – never give up. So, I would like to continue his battle for him, in any way I can. That is why I have set myself the challenge of completing the TCS London Marathon.

“For the past six years, Alzheimer’s Society has been there for me, and it continues to help me grieve to this day. Together we will find a cure – together we will beat dementia.”

Join Georgina and the thousands of others affected by dementia at the TCS London Marathon this year. Your fundraising could help to fund our online community, for instance, so people affected by dementia and their loved ones can seek advice and support, day or night, from people who know exactly what they’re going through.

As part of our team, you'll receive:

• a support pack with everything you need to kickstart your training and fundraising
• a free Alzheimer's Society technical running top with iron-on letters
• training plans and advice from our professional running coaches
• regular newsletters to keep you motivated
• access to our exclusive TCS London Marathon Facebook group
• the biggest support on race day from our multiple cheer points along the route
• a celebratory post-event reception, including a massage and refreshments for your friends and family

To join our team for the 2022 TCS London Marathon, and to find out more about Alzheimer’s Society, click here.