Heartfelt cause for runner

A woman who took up running after being told she had Alzheimer’s disease plans to run the London Marathon to raise money for others with the condition.

Mrs Elaine Moody (54) of Grove Street, Balderton, was diagnosed in November 2006.

She started going to the gym but found running more enjoyable and joined Newark’s Notfast running club.

Since then she has taken part in charity runs and completed Newark’s half-marathon.

Mrs Moody finds exercise is good for reducing stress and helps to improve her appetite and sleeping.

“I just thought: ‘Why not go for the big one?’ she said.

“I want to raise awareness and as much money as possible.”

Mrs Moody went to see her GP after becoming forgetful.

She was referred to King’s Mill Hospital, Sutton-in-Ashfield, where doctors initially thought she had a form of depression.

After seeing several specialists and having tests at local hospitals and in London she was eventually told it was Alzheimer’s disease.

Her husband, Mr Mick Moody (54) said: “It was a real bombshell.”

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia. It is caused by physical changes in the structure of the brain that lead to problems with memory, thinking and actions.

More than 750,000 people in the UK have dementia, more than 15,000 of whom are under 65.

Mrs Moody said the worst thing was not being able to drive. She also struggles with previously simple tasks, such as writing letters.

“I can be standing in the kitchen and not know which way to go,” she said.

Mrs Moody was a clerical worker at Newark and Sherwood District Council for about ten years. She then did administration work at Memories Photography, of Balderton, for ten years until shortly after her diagnosis.

Despite the condition Mrs Moody is determined to get the most out of life.

“I just said if I sit on my backside and do nothing I am going to just vegetate,” she said.

Her marathon training, which started in November, has intensified since the new year.

She runs several miles most days and completes a longer run of ten to 14 miles at the weekend.

Mr Moody, who accompanies his wife on a bicycle, retired from the fire service in 1992, and was, until recently, a patients’ escort at Rampton Hospital.

He left work at the start of the year to spend more time with his wife.

He said people were welcome to join their training sessions.

“If people who like running see us and think they would like to do it but don’t feel secure on their own they are more than welcome to join us,” Mr Moody said.

The couple travel to London later this month to meet the other 200 competitors running the marathon, on April 13, in aid of the Alzheimer’s Society.

Mrs Moody hopes to raise at least £2,000 for the society, the UK’s leading care and research charity, which provides practical services and support for people with dementia and their carers.

About £1,200 has been raised so far including sponsorship from Richard Watkinson and Partners estate agents, Newark.

A coffee morning at Balderton Methodist Church on Saturday attracted about 100 people and raised £438.

Mr Moody, a member of the Square and Compass Shooting Club, Normanton-on-Trent, is also planning a clay pigeon shoot.

Any extra money raised will go towards the Alzheimer’s Café at Holy Trinity Community and Partnership Centre, Boundary Road, Newark.

It provides information, advice and support for people with dementia and their carers.

The next café is on February 26, from 12.20pm-2.30pm.

The couple have two sons, Mr Mark Moody (34) of Palmer Road, Sutton-on-Trent, who is married to Mrs Suzanne Moody. They have a daughter, Lottie (19 months).

Their other son, Mr Peter Moody (32) lives on Nelson Road, Balderton.