Mother and daughter in poignant marathon bid

Bridget Vickerstaff is being joined by her younger daughter, Anne, who is a physiotherapist in the Royal Army Medical Corp, who has recently returned from her training runs at Camp Bastion, the main British military base in Afghanistan.

The mother-and-daughter have chosen the Alzheimers Society in memory of Bridget’s mother, who was a sufferer for some years before dying in 2005.

Bridget’s father, John Cook, had been her main carer, and he died in January of this year at the age of 98.

Bridget has run a number of half marathons, but she says this is her first and only attempt at the full distance.

Explaining her reason for the marathon, Bridget said:” Mum died in 2005, having been diagnosed with Alzheimers many years before. The decline in her mental capacity was gradual, initially being very distressing for her.

“One Christmas she said to me that all she wanted was her brain back in full working order. Then latterly, it became more distressing for those caring for her.

“It was particularly so for my father who looked after her until the last four weeks of her life when, at the age of 92 himself, he needed some respite.

“Our family was supported by the Alzheimers Society over the years and I, with your help, would like to help them continue to support other families in the same situation. Any donation anyone feels they can make it is much appreciated.”

So far Bridget alone has raised £925 in on-line donation through Just Giving and hopes more people will help her top her personal target of £1,000.

If you are able to help, please donate via www.justgiving.com/bridget-vickerstaff

Anne said: “My Grandma suffered with Alzheimers for ten years. It is a condition that effects everyone involved in a person’s suffering and the more research into its cause the better.” She been pledged donation of £455 on her page at http://www.justgiving.com/Anne-Vickerstaff and would also appreciate more donations.

Alzheimer’s Society is the leading UK care and research charity for people with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, their families and carers. See www. alzheimers.org.uk