'I ran 127 miles to say happy birthday to Grandad'

Issy Sedgwick ran for five days to wish her grandfather, Ivor, a happy birthday

A woman has run 127 miles (205km) from London to Bournemouth to wish her grandfather a happy birthday.

Issy Sedgwick completed the distance from Battersea Park to Boscombe in five days to meet her grandad, Ivor, at his favourite spot on the beach.

The 85-year-old, who has dementia, used to be a running coach but his worsening condition means he now lives in a care home with his wife, Janet.

Ms Sedgwick, 28, started her challenge on 2 October, running nearly seven hours each day to raise money for the Alzheimer's Society.

Ms Sedgwick's grandfather, an AFC Bournemouth supporter, was diagnosed with dementia in 2023.

"It came quite a shock to us all in the family," she said. "He's always been such a strong man.

"It's been hard for all of us to see him deteriorate over the years."

Ms Sedgwick met her grandfather on Boscombe beach

The inspiration for the challenge came from her grandad's time as a running coach - he also trained her mum and auntie when they were growing up.

"Running is in the family, but I got into it a little bit later," she said. "I thought this was the best way to celebrate that, and raise money for such an incredible charity."

She said the weather had been "one of the lowlights".

"There was Storm Amy and, on day three, which was halfway through the challenge, I was running through endless open fields, no end in sight, no real shelter and the rain was just pelting me.

"That was really tough.

"I think the whole time I kept thinking about my purpose and why I'm doing it.

"Envisioning Grandad and Grandma at the finish line kept me going.

"My knees were hurting but I was able to block it out and think about the mental side of it - I felt really strong."

Ms Sedgwick's grandfather used to be a running coach

On the fifth and final day of the challenge, Boscombe seafront welcomed Ms Sedgwick home with blue skies and sunshine.

"I couldn't believe I made it here," she said.

"My brother joined me for the last part of the run and we were predicting what Grandad would be wearing, and we were certain he'd be in his AFC Bournemouth scarf and hat."

As she crossed the finish line, she was able to walk up to her grandad and wish him a happy birthday.

She said: "Bless him, he didn't know it was me. He saw some commotion and started clapping.

"I said 'happy birthday', explained what I'd done. Grandad got up from his wheelchair and he said he wished he could dance.

"When people have dementia, they don't necessarily understand what's going on but they can still feel real emotions.

"Him wanting to stand up and dance showed that he felt so happy, so that was really special."