Their chosen charity is Dementia UK, to raise awareness and funds as they both have friends or know people who have dementia or experiencing support for a loved one with dementia.

Running for Dementia UK means taking on the enormous challenge of running with 60,000 determined dedicated runners who make the AJ Bell Great North Run the world’s biggest and best half marathon. Starting in Newcastle upon Tyne and finishing in South Shields on the 8th September.

What is Dementia UK?

It is a specialist dementia nurse charity, Admiral Nurses. They provide life changing care for families affected by all forms of dementia including Alzheimer’s disease.

Jan Bradford is taking part in the Great North Run on the 8th of September because “I personally know, or have known a total of 15 people who are living with, or have lived through this most horrible of situations that robs them of the ability to remember, think, or make decisions that ultimately interferes so dramatically with doing everyday activities, that we usually take for granted. Imagine not being able to recognise, or be recognised by your loved ones. Most of us know someone who has been affected by Dementia in some way, whether directly, or by knowing a family member who is caring for someone with Dementia. On race day I intend to “Mark the Miles” by dedicating a section of my run to each of these very special 15 people.”

Gill Milner is taking part in the Great North Run on the 8th of September to support families facing dementia because “Taking part with others together, we can make a difference with donations for research and add more support for friends, families as they go through this challenging difficult journey with their loved one.”

“As Jan mentioned dementia is a cruel condition which robs friends and families of their loved ones before their time. So with our heart and soul we chose to support Dementia UK. By taking part in the Great North Run UK, I may have to walk and run due to injury but will start and I will finish. On race day I intend to mark miles by dedicating a section of my run to every special person and family I know undergoing this difficult journey. So please, I ask, give what you can as every donation is precious and will be a great motivator for me to finish.”

Please if you feel you can give towards this amazing charity then go to my just giving page at: www.justgiving.com/page/gillian-milner-1718783888749 all donations go direct to Dementia UK. Alternatively, please visit www.justgiving.com/page/janet-bradford-1723136518757