Children are rarely thought about in relation to Alzheimer’s disease, which impacts one in 14 people aged over 65 and 1 in 6 for people aged over 80.

However, 22 children from Mitchells Farm Childcare in Cambridge have swapped frolicking for fundraising, to help raise £1000 for Alzheimer’s Society in the lead up to the adidas Manchester Marathon on 27^th April.

The children, aged between 1 and 11, are supporting Manchester-born childminder and business-owner Becky Brutnell who is preparing to take on the marathon with Alzheimer’s Society.

Read the heart-warming story below – and don’t forget to sponsor Becky on her JustGiving page.

1. Tell us a bit about yourself – who you are, where you’re from and what you do for a living!

I’m Becky, born and raised in Manchester, now living in Cambridge – as Sting sang “I’m a Northerner living in the South”!  By day I’m a childminder extraordinaire and by night I’m very tired and generally asleep on the sofa by 9pm…after a glass or two of Prosecco!

2. What inspired you sign up to the adidas Manchester Marathon 2025?

“I started running just over a year ago, as this filled the 2 hours whilst waiting for my teenage Daughter to play netball.  I then ran my first half marathon in Cambridge on behalf of Alzheimer’s Society, as I wanted to raise money for such a great cause.  The next goal was a marathon and where better to complete your first one than home!”

3. Why did you choose to raise money for Alzheimer’s Society?

“I really wanted to continue fundraising after my half marathon, once more representing Alzheimer’s Society. Several people in my life have suffered with the disease, and some of the children I look after’s relatives have been impacted. Watching someone’s memory deteriorate can be so distressing for both the person and their family members.”

4. How are you raising money for the charity?

“I decided to get the children involved in a series of sponsored activities, which is helping them learn about Alzheimer’s disease and the rewards of charity involvement.

In January, we did “1K a day for Alzheimer’s Society – Hooray!” where they ran a daily kilometre around our local farm over a 2-week period. Their enthusiasm was great and lots of them couldn’t wait to run each morning!

In the February half term, we set up a cake stall in town which saw many local businesses making donations. We sold various homemade and shop-bought bakes including a giant Forget Me Not cookie!

Then, in March we visited the dementia café in town, where the children performed their Bear Hunt story and nursery rhymes. They put a smile on the face on everyone in the room!”

5. How is training going and how are you feeling about the challenge?

“Balancing my job with marathon training has been challenging, but I’m still motivated and do outdoor running and treadmill sessions. I find motivation in wearing my Alzheimer’s Society training top during long runs, reminding me of the cause I’m supporting.”

6. What are you looking forward to about the adidas Manchester Marathon?

“I’m looking forward to putting all this enthusiasm and support into the event itself and knowing that it’s been a team effort.  I’m a proud Northerner and can’t wait to reminisce and see all the familiar places – plus the awesome new finish line on Oxford Road!

Also, whilst the children have no idea where Manchester is, they do know how to speak properly – it’s “running down the path NOT parrrrrrrth!”.

Thanks Becky for sharing your story and inspiring children to get involved!

Remember you can sponsor Becky on her JustGiving page below.