Running for my dad

Isabelle's Story

I remember the night we sat around our kitchen table when my sister and I were told that there was something wrong with my dad. My parents were not sure what it was, which somehow made it even more confusing. My dad, active, smart and outgoing, was the last person I would ever have expected to be unwell. I went back to my room that night crying, confused, unsure of the future and completely scared.

What followed was a year of tests, doctor appointments and constant uncertainty. Our whole family lived in limbo, waiting for a diagnosis that would explain everything.

Finally, we got it. It was early onset dementia.

Hearing those words was heartbreaking. It did not feel real. How could my dad, only in his 50s, be diagnosed with dementia? In my mind, it was something that affected grandparents, not someone young, hardworking and full of life like him. I felt lost, and the more I learned about dementia, the scarier it became.

I was in my final year of school at the time, trying to focus on exams while beginning to understand how terrifying this must have been for my dad. As a successful engineer and devoted father, I cannot imagine how hard it was for him to process that dementia slowly takes away your independence and the future you had planned. I mourned the future my parents had dreamed of and the life we always believed we would have.

I remember receiving our first information sheet from Alzheimer Scotland. It helped me understand what was happening and gave me comfort knowing my dad would be supported. Since then, I have seen the incredible work they do, creating spaces and support for families like ours. It has helped us feel less alone during such an overwhelming time.

However, I still believe there is a lack of awareness around early onset dementia. It is not just something that affects elderly people, it can affect people as young as my dad and even younger. I truly believe that by raising awareness and funds, we move closer to better support and, hopefully one day, a cure.

That is why I’ve decided to run the London Marathon.

I know it will be a huge challenge, and through my training I’ve realised just how tough it will be. I feel excited, but also nervous. The support I’ve received so far has been incredible, and I hope to make everyone proud. It’s going to be a special day for my family to hold onto.

I read a quote saying, “Your world shrinks along with theirs,” and that perfectly captures what it feels like to love someone with dementia. It is heartbreaking to witness. My mum, our family’s rock, has stood by my dad through everything. The strength it takes to care for someone you love in this way is indescribable.

Most importantly, I am running for my dad. He has given me everything. He worked tirelessly to provide for our family and filled our home with laughter. His humour still brings light into difficult days, and that is something I will always hold onto. He is one of my favourite people in the world, and this is my way of saying thank you and giving something back to him.

I am currently over my £2,000 target, and I am so grateful for the kindness and support from everyone who has donated and supported me. It truly means more than I can put into words.

Raising awareness and funds is so important to keep support services going and research moving forward. I hope my story can bring awareness, and maybe even comfort, to someone else going through that same conversation at their own kitchen table.

Thank you to Alzheimer Scotland for everything they have done for my family, and thank you to everyone who has supported me on this journey. Bring on the London Marathon!