Navy veteran's son turns marathon runner to fight memory disease

A sons journey from watching his fathers memory fade to running marathons for brain-health research. His personal story shows how family tragedy can turn into a mission for positive change

November 13 2024 , 06:50 AM  •  366 views

Navy veteran's son turns marathon runner to fight memory disease

In the quiet moments of early-2011 Stuart Lambie noticed something different about his father Ian - the same questions kept coming back as if theyʼd never been asked before. His wife Hazel spotted it first; the subtle signs that would change their familys path forever

Ian – a ex-Royal Navy serviceman whoʼd built his own construction firm after serving in World War II – had always been a kind-hearted Glasgow man (known for his gentle nature and strong ties to his community). Living 300-miles away in Shropshire Stuart struggled with the growing signs: his once-active dad was becoming someone else

Itʼs probably the toughest conversation Iʼve ever had in my life

Stuart describing the moment he confronted his father about memory issues

The diagnosis came quick after that first doctors visit; they called it a “routine check-up“ to make it easier. Netta his mom (whoʼd been by Ians side since the mid-50s) took on the main care duties with help from their daughter Anne who lived close-by

Life changed fast - the golf club membership went unused; the Rangers Football Club season ticket gathered dust. The once-social church elder now refused to leave his car on Sundays. There were scary moments too: like when he drove through red-lights in busy Glasgow traffic

  • Started running at local Parkrun
  • Joined Alzheimers Research UK fundraising
  • Completed London Marathon in 3hrs 30mins
  • Plans to run Paris-London marathons in 2025

Now aged 65 Stuart has found new purpose in long-distance running: “Its as if your mind empties itself of everything else“ he explains about his marathon training. His dad passed away in spring-2020 at 94‚ with Netta – his life-partner of almost seven decades – right there beside him