Yeesh Turns 30 and Runs a Marathon

Brighton Marathon 2023 lands on my 30th Birthday (2nd April) and I thought what better way to see in the next decade than to drag my ageing ass around 26.6 miles of Sussex's coastline. I would like to use this inevitably gruelling experience to raise money for The Brain Charity.

The Brain Charity started in Liverpool in 1993 (also 30 this year!) and is the only charity in the UK to focus on every neurological condition. Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s are the most common neurological conditions and, currently, there is no cure for either.

Two of my best friends have had a parent be diagnosed with early onset Parkinson’s, which has seen a decline in their wellbeing and ability to look after theirselves. Additionally, another of my best friend's Gran's had Alzheimer's before she passed away, and my Nan was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2016 which has seen a rapid decline in her memory and mobility and she is now unable to look after herself.

For someone newly diagnosed with a neurological condition, life can become very lonely and frightening. People can lose control of their lives and many face unemployment, poverty and social isolation. The Brain Charity provides practical help, emotional support and social activities to thousands of people with neurological conditions, and provides support for their family, friends and carers too.

The total cost of care for people with dementia alone in the UK is £34.7 billion, this is set to rise to £94.1 billion in 2040. These costs are made up of healthcare costs (costs to the NHS), social care costs (costs of homecare and residential care), and costs of unpaid care (provided by family members). The largest proportion of this cost, 45%, is social care, which totals £15.7 billion. Social care costs are, terrifyingly, set to nearly triple over the next two decades, to £45.4 billion by 2040. If these are the costs for people with dementia, I can’t begin to imagine the social care costs for all people with neurological conditions, resulting in them and their families not getting the care and support they need.

As well as raising money to help with social care, it is important we raise awareness and help eradicate the stigma, hardship and isolation people with neurological conditions face and help them live happier and healthier lives.

It would mean the world if you can afford to donate, any amount would be massively appreciated.