Soudabeh Imanikia was inspired to become a researcher into neurodegenerative diseases by the experience of losing two grandparents and an aunt to dementia.
They also inspired her to take on the Running Down Dementia challenge last year and raise money for pioneering research like her own.
Soudabeh, who is a researcher at the Medical Research Council’s Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Cambridge, ran over 1,000k last year and raised over £500. And she has signed up again this year.
She said: “I saw my grandpa go from being a pillar of our family to becoming a shaking leaf. It was heartbreaking to see someone so strong become so weak right in front of our eyes. And it was the same with my grandma and aunt. These people were my childhood superheroes. What devastated me most was when I saw they were physically there but not emotionally or mentally anymore.
“I signed up for Running Down Dementia last year during the first national lockdown when I had more time to think about my priorities and I wanted to do something new for a good cause that was close to my heart.
“I loved that I could use Running Down Dementia as a personal challenge. It gave me some discipline given the whole ‘work from home’ situation. I continued with my daily runs after the end of the challenge, so it is now a fantastic routine for me.
“I’m excited to be taking on the challenge again this year. Research really needs our support!
“At the moment there are no treatments to stop dementia from happening. But with funding, science will find a way!”
You can join hundreds of people across the country, like Soudabeh, who are taking on the Running Down Dementia challenge.
Challenge yourself to run, walk or jog as much as you can between by 31 August, and by getting sponsored to do it you can help make strides towards a life-changing treatment for dementia.
You can push for 100km, challenge yourself to 300km, or simply choose a distance target that suits you – all abilities are welcome! Sign up now.
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