My Story

I am running the London Marathon in 2024 to raise money for Alzheimer's Society in remebrance of my Mum, Eileen Disley. 

My Mum was inspirational and supported many young people during their junior years at school and to become succesful gymnasts. My Mum, Dad and Lynn were the founders of The Meapa Gymnastic Club. The picture for my page, is my Mum, receiving a long service award for her contribution to girls gymnastics. 

When my Mum turned 65 she began to struggle to find words, which gradually developed into memory problems, and she was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. Everyone from The Meapa were very supportive and enabled my Mum to go to the gym for as long as possible, which was amazing. Family members were invaluable during this time, I thank them all. 

However, some of the care/support my Mum received was not appropriate, it is important to continue to focus on improving care and support, as well as new treatments and possibly even a cure, and this is why I am running the London Marathon - I was not at all a runner when my Mum was alive, and I am sure she would find this highly amusing!

I took up running for the first time 5 years after my Mum died, and found it very therapeutic, although lasped for a while. I am enjoying being back on the treadmill and have seriously commenced my training for the London Marathon, which still feels very daunting!