Vikki is ready to face tough training schedule to raise awareness of dementia

A runner facing a tough winter training schedule says it is all worth it to raise awareness of the disease affecting her beloved nan.

Vikki Carney, 25, says her whole family have suffered through the ups and downs of her nan’s dementia - and she feels it is important to raise more awareness of the illness.

The Winslade Road resident is embarking on a 12-week training program in preparation for the 13.1-mile Brighton Half Marathon, where she will be raising funds for Dementia UK.

She says her nan will provide motivation along the way.

Vikki said: “My main thing is to raise awareness because it’s quite difficult for families.

“We did not realise Nan had dementia as it happened quite slowly. If we had been more aware of the symptoms, we could maybe have put things in place sooner.

“Moving back down from London means I am closer to my family and I’m not just doing it for Nan, I’m doing it for all of them because they have been much more close to it than me.

“Dementia UK helps families dealing with dementia and seemed like the best charity to support.

“If people want to support me, that would be amazing.

“I’m going to put a sponsor sheet in the Swan for people who want to donate but do not want to do it online.”

Vikki has recently moved back to her hometown of Sidmouth and is working in the Swan over the festive period, before starting a job with a charity in Exeter.

She says moving back home and seeing the work being done to raise money for an Admiral Nurse in Sidmouth only helps highlight just how prevalent dementia is becoming.

Her parents, Angie and Mick, were named Sidmouth Citizens of the Year in April for their community work and Vikki says they have been very supportive of her marathon mission.

Anyone who would like to support Vikki can visit https://www.justgiving.com/Vikki-Carney, or call into the Swan in York Street.