Issy Sedgwick is running 200km from London to Bournemouth in just five days to wish her grandad a happy 85th birthday at his favourite spot.
In her biggest challenge yet, digital content creator, Issy, 28, is embarking on an extraordinary five-day run from London to Bournemouth – all while fundraising for Alzheimer’s Society. Starting on Wednesday 1 October, she plans to reach her grandad on Sunday 5 October, in time for his 85th birthday.
Issy’s grandad, Ivor, was diagnosed with dementia in 2023 and now lives in a care home in Bournemouth with his wife, Janet. Ivor was a running coach in his earlier years, so now it’s Issy’s turn to put his words of wisdom into action with her fundraising challenge.
Before moving into the care home, Ivor would regularly sit at a bench by Boscombe Pier with a cup of tea, which is why this spot is so special to Issy and will be the finish line of her epic five-day challenge.
A person sitting on a bench with an old personAI-generated content may be incorrect.
Earlier this year Issy completed her first London Marathon, where she raised over £2,500 for Alzheimer’s Society, and more recently ran in the Berlin Marathon. Now, only a few weeks later, she’s lacing up her trainers to tackle just over 200km in five days.
Issy’s route will take her from her home in London on to Guildford, Winchester, Lyndhurst and Christchurch before finishing in Bournemouth. It will be a family affair as her brother, Broughton, will join her for her final day of running.
Speaking about her decision to take on the challenge, Issy reflected on why she wanted to make this journey in support of a cause close to her heart.
She said: “I am honoured to contribute to Alzheimer’s Society’s cause by raising money and awareness for dementia. The work they do to support research and provide support to people affected by dementia is invaluable.
“Due to the distance, I don’t get to see my grandad very often, so it’s going to be incredibly special to get to see him in his favourite spot and wish him a happy birthday.
“I come from a family of avid runners. My grandad used to coach my aunty and mum in running, so this is also a tribute to what was one of his great passions.”
A person running on a trackAI-generated content may be incorrect.
Dementia is the UK’s biggest killer. One in three people born in the UK today will develop dementia in their lifetime.
Alzheimer’s Society Chief Marketing Officer, Alex Hyde Smith, said:
“We are hugely grateful to Issy for helping to raise awareness and vital funds in honour of her grandad, Ivor.
“We are in awe of her heroic effort and wish her every success with her incredible challenge. It will make a huge difference to the lives of people living with dementia, and their families.
“There are nearly one million people living with dementia in the UK. Alzheimer’s Society provides vital support to people living with dementia, funds groundbreaking research and campaigns to make dementia a priority.
“We simply can’t reach everyone without the continued support of our incredible fundraisers. It will take a society to beat dementia and we thank Issy for being part of our society.”
If you’re worried about dementia, call the Alzheimer’s Society Dementia Support Line on 0333 150 3456. Be part of the society working to beat dementia. Find out more: alzheimers.org.uk/beat-dementia
