Southampton woman gets running for Alzheimer's Research UK

A 30-year-old woman from Southampton is putting on her running shoes and taking part in the London Marathon in order to raise money for the charity Alzheimer's Research UK.

Natalie Dixey says she has decided to take part in the 26 mile run on April 21st because her dad has been living with dementia for the past 11 years.

Now aged 56, Ms Dixey's father was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's disease when he was just 45 years of age. He has been looked after in a care home for the past year.

"Two years ago things came to a head when Dad became convinced he wasn't at home any more – it was almost like someone had pressed a switch in him and it was too difficult for us to look after him at home," Ms Dixey explained.

Parminder Summon, Community Fundraising Manager at Alzheimer's Research UK, said runners in last year's London Marathon raised over £150,000 for the charity, enough to fund five complete pilot research projects.

Find out more about Alzheimer's disease care at Barchester homes