Ryan Libbey Will Run New York Marathon for Dementia
A 36-year-old fitness enthusiast is running to raise funds after his grandparents faced Alzheimer's disease.
Updated on Oct. 11, 2026 in Alzheimer’s
Ryan Libbey will run the New York Marathon this November to raise £25,000 for the Alzheimer's Society. His participation is motivated by his grandparents, Christine and the late Tom Libbey, both of whom were diagnosed with Alzheimer's.
Why it matters
The campaign highlights the growing burden of dementia, which currently affects more than 1 million people in the UK. Raising funds supports the organization's work as the number of cases is projected to rise to over 1.4 million by 2040.
Official statistics report that more than 1 million people in the UK currently live with dementia, including 500,000 with Alzheimer's disease. Projections suggest this figure will grow to over 1.4 million by 2040, though the exact impact of future preventative interventions remains unknown.
The players
Ryan Libbey
A 36-year-old athlete and father who is raising funds for dementia research.
Alzheimer's Society
A UK-based organization dedicated to supporting individuals with dementia and funding research into Alzheimer's and other related conditions.
Christine Libbey
An 85-year-old individual currently living with advanced-stage Alzheimer's disease.
Tom Libbey
The late grandfather of Ryan Libbey, who passed away in 2015 following an Alzheimer's diagnosis.
The details
Ryan Libbey is completing the 26.2-mile course to support research and patient care initiatives through the Alzheimer's Society. His motivation stems from his personal experience, including his grandfather Tom's death in 2015 and his grandmother Christine's ongoing battle with the advanced stages of the disease.
Timeline
Tom Libbey died in 2015.
Ryan Libbey runs the New York Marathon in November 2026.
UK dementia cases are expected to reach 1.4 million by 2040.
Health Landscape
This effort reflects the broader challenge of managing the rising prevalence of neurodegenerative conditions across the UK. It follows the pattern set by the Alzheimer's Society's dementia prevalence projections for 2040, which forecast a significant increase in the population requiring care.
Understanding the signs of neurodegenerative conditions is essential for families navigating a loved one's diagnosis. If you are concerned about memory changes or cognitive decline in yourself or a family member, it is worth discussing those specific symptoms with your doctor.
The takeaway
Recognizing the risk factors for dementia early can help families prepare for long-term care needs. Talk to your primary care physician about screening options if you have a family history of Alzheimer's disease.
Further reading
For more information on the latest research and support options, visit our Alzheimer’s section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Mail Online.
