Our Community support and independence team matron Suzie Dore has bagged a rare ballot place in the London Marathon next weekend and following the recent death of her father-in law has decided to raise funds for The Alzheimer’s Society.

Suzie told us: "I'd already got a ballot place, which is great considering only around 4% of people who apply get one. But since my husband's father, who had Vascular Dementia died recently, I've decided to do it for Team Dore and raise funds to try and fight this horrible disease.

"I've run the Chester marathon before, but I'm a little slower than normal. I'm already up to 20 miles in training, so well on the way. I'd really like to do it in under five hours".

On her JustGiving page Suzie spells out the family's devastation after losing her father-in-law. She says:

"The suffering caused by Vascular Dementia is intolerable.  This cruel disease has robbed my husband of the most loving, caring, funny man he is so very proud to call his Dad and has devastated the whole family. 

"Being helpless in being able to change the outcome of this cruel, aggressive and torturous disease I am pledging my support to a charity which is tirelessly researching ways that one day will hopefully prevent other families enduring this torment. "

If you'd like to support Suzie's cause, she'd be very grateful.  Read more on her just giving page: https://www.justgiving.com/TeamDore