They're running in London for '˜Mary Doll'

London Marathon runners Tom Paterson and Anne Powers

Two years ago the News and Chronicle reported on the remarkable bid by the Power family - seven brothers and sisters - to climb Ben Nevis together in aid of Alzheimer Scotland.

Local woman Mary Power, who suffered from Alzheimer’s, was well known at the town’s St Joseph’s Church, and to many across Cumbernauld through her four decades of work as a nurse - so strong local support seemed likely.

The family wanted to make a heartfelt but also meaningful contribution at a time when Mary - “Mary Doll” - was bravely struggling with the disease.

Daughter Anne Power, who now lives down south, said: “Watching Mum battle with early onset Alzheimer’s Disease fo 11 years has been the hardest thing I have witnessed.

“Having spent her whole life caring for others throughout her nursing career, Mum accepted her illness with dignity and grace and fought it to the end with a big smile

“She has been my inspiration my whole life and her strength and determination never failed to amaze me.”

Anne, and all her family and friends back home in Cumbernauld, now want to make a new commitment to Alzheimer Scotland in order to remember their mum in the way she might have most appreciated – by doing something to help others,

Anne has already run the Amsterdam Marathon, and together with friend Tom Paterson now has her sights set on the London Marathon spectacular on Sunday, April 23.

Anne said: “It feels only right that Mum, Mary Doll should be remembered, not for her struggle with Alzheimer’s Disease but her bravery.

“Sadly there is no treatment to stop the disease that causes dementia. I want to raise money for the many other sufferers of this cruel disease, so that one day, there may be a cure or treatment to prevent others having the same experience as Mum had.”

Her sister Monica said: “Being very aware of her diagnosis at the time, she dealt with her illness with dignity and grace because she knew very well what was to come, having nursed many sufferers through her 40- year career as a nurse.”

Anne is heading for the half way mark in her £5,000 sponsorship target, and hopes Cumbernauld News readers will help her towards final success.

Anne and Tom’s Justgiving page is at https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Anne-Power2