A TEACHING assistant is to run the London Marathon to raise funds for Alzheimer's research after her grandma was diagnosed with the disease.

Hannah Fielding, 23, who works at Hapton Primary School, aims to raise at least £1,600 by running the marathon on April 24 for BRACE Funding Research Into Alzheimer's.

As part of her training for the event she successfully completed the Blackpool Half Marathon last weekend (Feb,21).

Her grandma Mary O'Connor, 85, was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia six years ago.

Hannah, a member of running club Darwen Dashers and currently studying for a teaching degree, said: "My nanna has been suffering from Alzheimer's for the past six years and that's the reason I'm running it for that charity because it's close to home.

"My nanna looked after me. A lot of my childhood memories are of her. She used to take me to church and the nursery and I am very close to her.

"She is now in a home in Brierfield."

It was very hard for the family to deal with the diagnosis of dementia added Hannah.

"It was quite hard to be honest. She covered it up at first for quite a while so I assumed it was just old age.

Hannah of New Meadow Close, Blackburn, said: "As the symptoms got gradually worse it got really difficult. It was things like losing her keys and forgetting she had put something in the oven.

"It is heartbreaking and she doesn't really know who I am anymore. I talk to her and play music. That brings her alive - the sound of her favourite songs"

As part of the fundraising Hannah is to stage a Charity Evening on March 12 at Th' Owd Stables at Accrington at 7.30pm.

The fun will include a grand raffle with top prizes donated by the likes of Blackburn and Burnley Football clubs and an auction.

There will also be fun games including guess how many sweets in the jar, food and live music.

It costs £5 a ticket which are available by emailing Hannah at hannahelizabethfielding@hotmail.co.uk

She also expects a forthcoming Non-Uniform Day at Hapton Primary School on March 4 to raise at least £500.

To donate visit Hannah's JustGiving page at justgiving.com/hannah-fielding3/.