Running 7 marathons in 7 days

On the 25th of August I am going to be running 185 miles from Newbury Berkshire to Lincoln City Lincolnshire.

I will be doing this in the form of 7 marathons in 7 days, all to raise money for Alzheimer's Research UK and Sophie's Journey.

This is the equivalent of running the length of Wales.

Sophie’s Journey was set up in memory of Sophie Robinson from Lincoln, who sadly passed away in January 2016, aged 12, after a two-year battle with medulloblastoma – an aggressive tumour in her brain.

The charity provides access to two dedicated caravans at Golden Sands Holiday Park in Mablethorpe, and provide free holidays to Lincolnshire children living with cancer and their families.

Sophie's parents run the charity to fulfil their promise to Sophie, to make a positive difference to those going through a similar experience and give them the same opportunity they were given to enjoy a holiday and create special memories together.

The charity also exists to continue Sophie’s efforts to provide comfort and support to children enduring cancer treatment via a dedicated page on Facebook. This was created after Sophie had undergone brain surgery and was due to begin treatment; she wanted to understand what to expect from it but couldn’t find any sources on the internet that answered her questions. The Facebook page became a way for Sophie to document her own experience.

While she was receiving treatment at the Queen’s Medical Centre in Nottingham, and because she didn’t want anyone else to have to endure the same thing, Sophie began fundraising for the Children’s Brain Tumour Research Centre. In just under two years we raised £50,000 and Sophie inspired others to get involved.

In memory of Sophie, her wonderful smile and her amazing spirit and inspiration, Sophie’s Journey is here to help children remember what it’s like to be children.

Sophie’s Journey relies on donations to maintain its caravans and ensure guests have the best holiday possible.

For Alzheimer's Research UK, I'm not just talking to you to raise funds, but to ignite hope, to extend compassion, and to build a bridge towards a brighter future for those affected by Alzheimer's disease. Each one of us has a story, a memory, a cherished moment tied to someone we love. Imagine, if you will, those precious memories slipping away, bit by bit, lost in the fog of a cruel and relentless illness.

Alzheimer's is more than a medical condition; it is a thief that steals the essence of who we are, robbing families of their past and clouding their future. The heartbreak of watching a loved one slowly fade away, unable to recall the faces of their children, the sound of their favourite song, or the joy of their life's work, is an agony that words fail to capture.

But amidst this darkness, there is a beacon of hope. That hope is us. Together, we can transform despair into action and pain into purpose. By raising funds for Alzheimer's research and care, we are not just supporting a cause; we are joining a movement to reclaim the memories of those we hold dear, to offer solace to families, and to strive for a world where Alzheimer's is but a memory itself.

Every pound we can raise together brings us one step closer to a cure. It fuels ground-breaking research, supports vital care services, and spreads awareness that can lead to earlier diagnoses and better treatment. It is a testament to our collective strength and our unwavering belief that love and determination can conquer even the most daunting of challenges.

So, I ask you, from the depths of your heart, to give generously. Remember those who have lost their fight, honour those who continue to battle, and invest in a future where Alzheimer's no longer has the power to tear us apart.

Thank you for your compassion, generosity, and unyielding spirit. Together, we can turn the tide against Alzheimer's and reclaim the precious gift of memory for generations to come.