Leamington university student is running for charity in memory of her father who died of early-onset Alzheimer's disease when he was just 41

A university student who lives in Leamington has been running throughout March to raise money for charity in memory of her father who died of early-onset Alzheimer's disease when he was just 41.
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Beth Priddy is aiming to cover 52 miles to mark what would have been her dad Mark's 52nd birthday earlier this month.

Her challenge will culminate at her dad's memorial bench at Pitsford Reservoir, Northamptonshire on March 28,

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Beth, a Warwick University Student from Northamptonshire, was just 11 years old when Mark died.

Beth Priddy wither her dad Mark, who died of early-onset Alzheimer's when she was just 11.Beth Priddy wither her dad Mark, who died of early-onset Alzheimer's when she was just 11.
Beth Priddy wither her dad Mark, who died of early-onset Alzheimer's when she was just 11.

She said: "

"Alzheimer's is a progressive disease. Although my dad's symptoms began with things as little as forgetting his keys, getting lost and performing badly at work, eventually he forgot who I was, and lost his ability to speak or walk.

"Despite being bedridden, he always kept a smile on his face when he could, and that's how I choose to remember him.

"One of my fondest and clearest memories of my dad comes from when I was 9 years old.

Beth Priddy is running to raise money for Alzheimer's Research UK.Beth Priddy is running to raise money for Alzheimer's Research UK.
Beth Priddy is running to raise money for Alzheimer's Research UK.
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"I went to visit him in his care home with my sister and mum.

"Dad took me to the side and asked me to put my hand out. 'Here you go - this is for you' he said, as he placed thin air into my hands. 'What's this?', I asked, 'Money - shhhhh'.

"Rather than in a care home, my dad thought he was at work, and that he was secretly giving me his earnings.

"A loving, giving and endlessly hilarious man, I often think about what my life would be like if he was still here.

Beth Priddy is running to raise money for Alzheimer's Research UK.Beth Priddy is running to raise money for Alzheimer's Research UK.
Beth Priddy is running to raise money for Alzheimer's Research UK.
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"To celebrate the life of my dad on what would have been his 52nd birthday, I will be running 52 miles throughout March to raise as much money as possible.

"I want to raise money for Alzheimer's Research UK so that my story does not have to be repeated.

"No matter how big or small, all money donated to ARUK will go towards funding vital research that could lead to the next big breakthrough for dementia, so this cruel disease can be tackled once and for all."

A link to Beth's fundraising page is here.

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