Oakham woman to run London Marathon after 40-year-old partner's Alzheimer's diagnosis

A woman is raising awareness for Alzheimer’s after her partner was diagnosed with the disease aged just 40.

Three years ago Andy Duffy from Oakham was forced to stop working because he was struggling with his health.

Urged by his fiancée Becca Sandom, he sought advice from the doctors and after tests he was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s disease.

“It was hard to accept at the beginning,” said Becca, 34. “We didn’t think it would be as quick as it has been.”

Andy was a keen runner and to ensure he could continue exercising safely without getting lost Becca began to go out with him.

The pair completed the Burghley 7 run in March last year and were due to take part in a half marathon but Becca had to do this solo as Andy had started to struggle.

What started off as a run around the block has turned into a passion for Becca, who will take part in the London Marathon in April with Alzheimer’s Research.

Becca said: “Now I can’t stop. When I’m running I don’t listen to music I just find it relaxing and it helps me clear my head. It has really helped me with everything that’s going on.”

Becca, who has a 12-year-old son called Oliver, and Andy, who has two children Lexi and Brandon, grew their family by having a daughter together, Poppy, who is now five.

During their relationship, which started when they met at Willoughby’s nightclub in Stamford, spending time together as a family was always the focus.

After Andy’s diagnosis he created a bucket list and completed a skydive and the fastest zip wire in the world.

He moved to Aspen Manor Care Home in Oakham in the summer, leaving the family devastated.

“When I was at work he was on his own and started going out and people had to bring him back,” said Becca.

“I couldn’t look after him properly as he needed a lot more help but he is happy there.”

She added: “To watch someone deteriorate is not what you want for them. It is not nice to see them like that.

“If one day there is a cure that would be amazing.”

So far Becca has raised more than £2,400 for Alzheimer’s Research and hopes donations will continue to come in in the lead up to the marathon.

“If I’m going to raise money it will be for them,” she said.

While Andy doesn’t remember that Becca is doing the marathon she said ‘he would be really proud’.

To donate visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/becca-sandom1.

• Are you running the London Marathon? Let us know by emailing smeditor@stamfordmercury.co.uk