A BOURTON woman is running the London Marathon in memory of her grandfather, who suffered from dementia and died two years ago.

Chantalle-Louisa Lester, aged 29, wants to improve people’s understanding of Alzheimer’s and raise awareness of the early signs of the illness and the support that is available.

Substance misuse worker Chantalle is one of only 70 runners to secure a ‘gold ballot’ place in the Alzheimer’s Society’s team for the marathon in April, which means she has pledged to raise at least £2,000 for the charity.

Chantalle, whose ‘Gramps’ Arthur Lester died aged 86, said there was a tendency to mock the term Alzheimer’s. “I want people to recognise the early signs. My Nan used to put lists on the door for him so he would not leave the taps running with the plug in,” said Chantalle, a member of Bourton Roadrunners.

She is hoping to raise some of the money at a charity auction, with lots including a day on the set of Midsomer Murders and James Bond memorabilia.

To support Chantalle’s fund-raising efforts, go to the website justgiving. com/Chantalle-Lester.