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
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
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
