Newlywed prepares to stride out in grandmother’s memory

Mrs Barrett, 25, from Skipton, is running with her parents, Brian and Sue Holland, a week on Sunday to raise funds for the charity Alzheimer’s Research UK.

They say they all are determined to complete the 26.2 mile course in memory of Joanne’s grandmother, who was 76 when she died.

Mrs Barrett, who works as a community support officer, said: “My grandma had a long struggle with Alzheimer’s and it was very sad watching her gradually slip away from us.

“It was made even worse knowing there was very little that could be done to help her and that research to find new treatments is desperately underfunded.

“As a family, we’ve arranged a number of events in the past to raise much needed money for Alzheimer’s Research UK and it will be fantastic running with mum and dad to raise even more. Although they’ve both run quite a few marathons before, this will be a first for me.

“With my head full of wedding plans, it’s been difficult to get into the swing of training.

“I’ve really struggled to do longer runs but the views of the beautiful Yorkshire hills have helped take my mind off my aching muscles,” she said.

“On the day it will be great to know our family effort will help Alzheimer’s Research UK defeat dementia and precious memories of grandma will spur me on.”

Miranda Mays, community fundraising manager for Alzheimer’s Research UK, said: “We greatly appreciate the efforts of Joanne and her parents to support our world-class research and we wish them every success with the marathon.

“Last year our Virgin London Marathon runners raised an incredible £117,000 – enough to pay for three pioneering dementia research projects.

“Over 8,000 people in Yorkshire are living with dementia today.

“Dementia can only be defeated through research but funding lags far behind other serious diseases.

“We rely entirely on our wonderful supporters.”

Contributions to the appeal can be made online at www.justgiving.com/Holland-n-Barrett