Running for a cause: How one man turned grief into action against dementia

Stuart Lambie's inspiring journey from personal loss to advocating for Alzheimer's research through running.

Running for a cause: How one man turned grief into action against dementia
In the face of personal tragedy, many individuals find unique ways to cope and create change. For Stuart Lambie, the loss of his father to Alzheimer’s disease ignited a passion for health and advocacy that transformed his life. After witnessing the gradual decline of his father, Ian, who was once a vibrant and supportive figure, Stuart took proactive steps to safeguard his own health while raising awareness for a cause that deeply affected his family.

The early signs of Alzheimer’s

Stuart recalls the subtle changes in his father’s behavior that hinted at a more significant issue. Initially, it was the small things—a question asked and then repeated moments later—that raised concerns. “It was my wife, Hazel, who noticed first,” Stuart explains. As time passed, it became increasingly evident that Ian’s memory was deteriorating. The once active and sociable man, who had served in the Royal Navy and built a successful career, began to withdraw from the activities he loved.

Living 300 miles away from his parents, Stuart struggled with the distance and the emotional weight of the situation. During a visit in 2011, the reality of his father’s condition hit hard. With the support of his mother, Netta, Stuart initiated the difficult conversation about seeking medical help. This led to a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease, a moment that would forever change their family dynamics.

The impact of caregiving

As Ian’s condition progressed, the role of caregiver fell primarily on Netta, with Stuart doing what he could from afar. The emotional toll of watching a loved one succumb to such a debilitating disease was profound. Stuart witnessed his father’s transformation from a gentle, kind man to someone who became increasingly stubborn and aggressive. The stress of caregiving weighed heavily on Netta, who was in her early 80s at the time.

Stuart’s heartache was compounded by the fear of what the future held for his father and the strain it placed on his mother. He recalls a particularly alarming incident when Ian, still driving, made a dangerous maneuver that could have had dire consequences. Such moments highlighted the unpredictability of Alzheimer’s and the constant anxiety it brought to the family.

Turning grief into action

Faced with the reality of his father’s illness, Stuart realized the importance of taking charge of his own health. Inspired by his son Jamie’s participation in the 2018 London Marathon, he decided to start running. Initially overwhelmed, Stuart found solace in the local Parkrun community, where he discovered a supportive network that would become integral to his journey.

Stuart’s commitment to running soon aligned with a cause close to his heart. He learned that Alzheimer’s Research UK was an official charity partner of Parkrun, prompting him to sign up for the Running Down Dementia challenge. This initiative encouraged participants to run or walk 100km to raise funds for vital research. Stuart’s background in horticultural research fueled his belief in the power of scientific inquiry to combat Alzheimer’s.

A journey of resilience and hope

As he progressed from local runs to half marathons and ultimately the London Marathon, Stuart found not only physical fitness but also mental clarity and community. He emphasizes the importance of social connections in mitigating the risks associated with dementia. “Running has provided me with a completely new social network—and that’s been life-changing,” he shares.

Stuart’s father passed away at the age of 94, cared for in a home for veterans during the pandemic. Despite the challenges of COVID-19 restrictions, Stuart and his family focused on remembering Ian as the loving father he was before Alzheimer’s took hold. Stuart’s running journey has become a powerful outlet for his grief, allowing him to raise awareness and funds for research that could spare other families from similar heartache.

In 2025, Stuart plans to run both the Paris and London marathons just weeks apart, continuing his mission to advocate for Alzheimer’s research. He runs not only for his father but for all those affected by dementia, embodying the belief that through awareness and research, a brighter future is possible.

Join the fight against dementia

Stuart’s story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. For those looking to support the fight against dementia, consider participating in initiatives like Alzheimer’s Research UK’s Think Brain Health campaign. Together, we can work towards a world where families no longer have to endure the heartbreak of dementia.