A dedicated Colne manageress will be paying a touching tribute to her grandma and late father-in-law when she runs the Blackpool Autumn Breaker 10K in October.
By taking on the challenge, Sharon Jackson (33) aims to raise awareness and money for the Alzheimer’s Society.
The mum-of-two, who runs Colne business Harp Ceramics with her husband Paul, has personally experienced the tireless efforts of the charity – as her grandma Kathleen is currently suffering with dementia, while her father-in-law Colin Jackson died from Alzheimer’s at just 57.
She will be completing the challenge with her brother Neil.
Sharon,of North Valley Road, said: “We are trying to raise as much awareness as possible.
“People think that Alzheimer’s is just linked to older people and losing your memory.
“Paul’s dad was still fully aware of who he was, but he started losing his speech and sight, and he was bed-ridden.
“It is a brain condition, and Colin’s brain started dying before his memory did.
“The Alzheimer’s Society have been superb from start to finish.”
Although Sharon only started running in April, she is now hopeful to complete more 10K treks and half marathons for the Alzheimer’s Society and Pendleside Hospice.
Anybody wanting to make a donation can go to her JustGiving page or visit her at Harp Ceramics, in North Valley Road.
Sharon, a former manageress of Debenhams, and Boundary Mills, added: “I would be so grateful if people could spare a couple of pence.
“It doesn’t matter if it is 2p or 10p – anything is better than nothing.
“I’m really excited for the 10K, I can’t wait.
“I didn’t do any running up until April, and it’s really addictive and you get fit really quick.”
To make a donation visit www.justgiving.com/Sharon-Jackson5