Laura Sharp, 25 from Falkirk, is preparing to honour her grandparents as she participates in the Edinburgh Marathon Festival Half Marathon this May.
Laura is no stranger to the Edinburgh Marathon having previously taken part in 2017, 2020 and 2021’s virtual events, fundraising for Alzheimer Scotland each time. Laura’s inspiration are Jean and George, her Gran and Papa. In 2015, Jean was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and which progressed rapidly. She moved to a care home the following year.
“My Papa was then left at home himself; he didn’t know how to cook as my Gran had always done this. He started going to a dementia class in Falkirk to meet others. He then attended a cooking class funded by Alzheimer Scotland in Bo’ness.”
After Jean died in December 2017, George decided to continue attending his cooking classes as he had made several great friends and has been putting his skills to valuable use as Laura explains,
“Now every Wednesday myself and my sister go to his for dinner where he cooks for us. This would not have been possible without these groups and I feel this has helped with the process of grieving as he is able to go out and about. All my friends and family know how important these groups are to us so they continue to support Alzheimer Scotland. This is why I will always do my best to support the charity.”
Jean and George, Laura's Gran and Papa
Alzheimer Scotland provides services and support across Scotland to help people live well with dementia. We help give information and advice, peer support and personalised support services, including day opportunities and activities and groups across communities in Scotland.
We asked Laura her reason for continuing to support Alzheimer Scotland at challenge events. She told us,
“I love to run for Alzheimer Scotland as it is a challenge, and the team are very supportive and continue to email and call with encouragement before and after the event. Also, when finished Edinburgh Marathon Festival there is always a great stall we can meet at.”
If you would like to support Laura in her fundraising you can donate to her JustGiving page by clicking here.
TeamAlzScot love to support our incredible fundraisers like Laura and at EMF we’ll do our best to make you feel like a superstar. Our team will be there to cheer you along the route and we are ready at the finish line with refreshments and bags of praise.
Find out more about Edinburgh Marathon Festival and our charity places here.