After not running for years, Lorraine faced her fear of heights to do a charity run across the Forth Bridge in memory of her dad Jimmy.
"I used to be a keen runner but for the past few years my experience has been pretty much zero. But then my husband David had the bright idea that we should run a 5K across the Forth Bridge as part of the Supernova event.
He told me it was meant to be, because the bridge was turning 60 years old in the same year I turned 60. I told him I wasn’t so sure as I got out of puff just walking up the stairs.
"But then I thought – let’s do it, and raise some money for Alzheimer Scotland in memory of my dad Jimmy.
"My dad was diagnosed in 2008 with Alzheimer’s disease. He was such a kind, caring man who had the patience of a saint – even though he had me and my two sisters to deal with. He loved his cars and I remember so many times when I was younger, just sitting next to the car while he was working on it. He was so handy and would always be right out if you needed a cupboard or shelf put up.
"Dad was also an avid reader, loved his mystery novels. One of the early signs of his illness was when he seemed to stop reading altogether. He then started getting lost when he was out driving and had to give up his licence. It was a really tough time as he loved driving and was so independent.
"We all helped my mum Margaret, who’s 92 now, to look after dad as long as possible but it got to the point where he needed to go into a home. When my dad no longer recognised any of us it was heartbreaking, but he always knew my mum and would say to her: "I'm going to marry you one day.”
Dad stayed in the home for four years until he died in 2017, aged 81. We all still miss him every day.
"Signing up for the Supernova felt like a good way to do something positive in my dad’s memory. I had no idea how the run was going to go but I loved it. My husband David had to drop out because of an injury, but my daughter Abby, 20, stepped in.
"She really kept me going on the day, helping me up the hills by chatting to me and singing songs. I’ve never walked over the Forth Bridge because I’m terrified of the height of it, but I was pleased that I managed to run over it.
We were blown away by the fundraising response. I’d initially set a target of £200 but we’ve now got over £1300. We’re so grateful to everyone who’s donated.
"I just hope the money can go some way to helping research into this disease. There seems to be so many treatments for things like cancer, my greatest wish is that they can find a cure for dementia."
Looking for a challenge in 2025? Check out our fundraising events here.