We’re incredibly proud to be supporting one of our Senior Engineers, Dan Cunningham, as he takes on the Great North Run this September to raise money for the Alzheimer’s Society in honour of his mum.

Dan’s mum was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s 12 years ago, at just 51. “I was just a teenager when everything started to change – slowly at first, then more obviously,” he said. “Watching dementia take hold of someone you love so young is heartbreaking. Dementia isn’t just memory loss – it’s losing parts of them, piece by piece.

“Memory loss isn’t just a normal part of getting old, everyone deserves to grow old with their memories in tact, and everyone should be able to. It robs sufferers of a normal life, and changes everything for those around them.

“This is something I’ve not always found easy to talk about, but running this race is a way to make a positive change, raise awareness and help fund the amazing work Alzheimer’s Society can do for families like mine.”

Dementia is one of the biggest health challenges we face today. Right now, around 900,000 people in the UK are living with the condition – and many of them haven’t been diagnosed or aren’t getting the support they need.

Alzheimer’s Society gives vital support to those who need it most, hold decision-makers to account and fund groundbreaking research to transform the future for everyone living with dementia. 

The Great North Run is a half marathon –  the furthest Dan has ever attempted! But he’s steadily building up his training and is determined to cross that finish line. 

If you’d like to support him either by donating, sharing his story or just sending a few words of encouragement – it would mean a lot. Go Dan!

Donations can be made via his Just Giving page here: https://www.justgiving.com/page/dan-cunningham-1