Sarah’s putting on her running shoes for gran

Sarah Scrutton’s grandmother, Gertrude Dalby, died five years ago after fighting the disease for almost 20 years.

Mrs Dalby was left bed-ridden, unable to speak and could not take care of herself as her condition worsened.

Mrs Scrutton’s parents, Richard and Jean Duncan, sold their home and moved in with Mrs Dalby to give her round-the-clock care.

Sadly after years fighting the disease, Mrs Dalby passed away aged 88.

Mrs Scrutton, of Spring Gardens, Batley, will run the 13.1 mile race in aid of Alzheimer’s Society.

She said: “My grandma was a very proud woman. It was horrible to see how dementia can affect a person in such a short space of time.

“To go [see her] from the person she was to the person lying in her bed was heartbreaking. She was still a lovely woman but she became dependant on us.

“As a family we looked after her all the time because in the end she was becoming a danger to herself. It is a horrible disease and I want to raise as much awareness as I can.”

Mrs Scrutton, 40, will wear an wearing a t-shirt donning the Alzheimer’s Society t-shirt when she runs the half-marathon on September 7 this year.

She said: “Running is a passion of mine and it is great to be able to help people through it.”

Visit www.justgiving.com/sarah-scrutton to pledge sponsorship.

• Are you taking part in this year’s Bupa Great North Run?

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