17 Apr Athletic accounts manager runs for mum

The athletic accounts manager at leading Northampton-based vehicle leasing company Silverstone Leasing has run the Brighton Marathon to raise cash for a charity close to his own heart.

Tom Bailey completed the renowned race last weekend for Alzheimer’s Research UK, a cause that has become deeply personal to Tom and his family after his mum was diagnosed with the disease earlier this year.

“Since mum’s diagnosis, I’ve witnessed the heartbreaking progression of the disease,” shared Tom. “From the first time she repeated a simple sentence to the first time she asked who I was. Watching someone you love slowly slip away is something no family should have to face, and that’s why I’m running, to help fund the research that offers hope for better treatments, earlier diagnoses, and one day, a cure.”

Alzheimer’s is the biggest cause of death in the UK, and its prominence is increasing – deaths due to Alzheimer’s have increase 87 percent in the last decade.

The 26.2 mile challenge was mammoth for Tom, who regularly takes part in Park Run but hasn’t before taken on a marathon distance. He finished in an impressive five hours, 40 minutes and 57 seconds.

He said: “Every step I took was for mum, and for all the families living with the devastating effects of Alzheimer’s.

“It was a fantastic route -and there were 21,000 other runners, and so many different charities being supported.

“It really was a case of mind over matter though, as there were a few moments near the end where I wasn’t sure I’d make it, but I just kept going. Getting down stairs afterwards was definitely a challenge though!”

Silverstone Leasing managing director Scott Norville said: “Tom and I have run together before, and I know how impressive and determined he is when he sets his mind to something. Tom’s dedication to this race has been amazing and all of us at Silverstone Leasing are very proud of his achievement.”

Tom has already smashed his fundraising target of £750, collecting £836 in donations so far. If you would like to add to his total, visit https://2026brightonmarathonweekend.enthuse.com/pf/tom-bailey

For more information on Silverstone Leasing visit https://www.silverstoneleasing.com/