In a heartfelt initiative, Katie Fordham, daughter of Orchards Managing Director Simon Fordham, gears up to tackle the London Marathon on April 21st in support of Alzheimer’s Society. Katie's inspiration stems from her beloved Uncle Ted, spurring her to take on this monumental challenge. Having recently completed a half marathon, Katie felt compelled to share her motivation for embarking on this journey.

Katie’s Story:

“Biological Ted is not related to me at all but in reality Ted is my great grandfather who has been a pivotal male role model throughout my life. Ted was a train driver for his entire life. Unfortunately in 1973 Ted was involved in the Summerland Disaster, which caused the death of his Wife, and three Daughters and his mother in law. Ted was left with severe burns which was when he met my great grandmother Kay, my great grandmother worked on the burns unit where he was brought to be rehabilitated. Ted and my great grandmother became friends and soon started to fall in love. Ted and my great grandmother were together for 30 years. My great grandmother died not long before I was born and it broke Teds heart. Yet shortly after I was born. Ted was over every day to see me and became an important part of my life. As I got older it changed to Ted coming over twice a week always with a donut and a wethers original to hand. Ted took me out on hacks and watched me jump and compete my entire childhood. He was over every birthday and holiday and was always there when he I needed him. Just as lock down hit, Ted was diagnosed with cancer, and after having surgery to remove the cancer he woke with onset Alzheimer’s . Due to the Covid Lock down we rarely saw him and life changed drastically for Ted. As the Alzheimer’s got worse Ted started to become confused in his surroundings and so as he got worse he had to go into a care home. Teds Alzheimer’s left him unaware who we were and where he was. It was heartbreaking to have to try to put a brave face on as such an important person in your life forgets who you are. And that’s why I have chosen to run the marathon in aid of Alzheimer’s society to try and make a difference even if it is for one family so they don’t experience the pain and heartbreak my family went through.

Ted passed away on the 28th of December 2023. I would so greatly appreciate anything that anyone donated and it would mean the world to me if people could share this.”

From all of us Orchard good luck Katie!

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