This October, Jens will take on his first ever running event at the ASICS Manchester Half, raising money for Alzheimer’s Society in memory of both of his grandfathers, who he lost to dementia.

Running has always been something Jens associated with his grandfather, Grandpa Jim. A passionate runner, Jim completed 18 marathons, including the very first London Marathon in 1981. So when Jens decided to take up running himself, it felt like a fitting way to honour the grandfather who had inspired him.

From rugby to running

Sport has always been a big part of Jens’ life. At 29, the half-Swedish former rugby player has played at county and academy level and spent years weightlifting. After stepping away from rugby, he was looking for something new and running offered the perfect next challenge. But there was something familiar about it too.

It was something he had grown up associating with Grandpa Jim. “He was a keen runner before it was cool,” Jens said.

After a motorcycle accident left Jim with a double leg break and brought his rugby days to an end, he turned his attention to running. True to his all-or-nothing personality, he quickly threw himself into the sport, going on to complete 18 marathons.

“Grandpa Jim was very proud of running multiple marathons. Taking on my first running event in his memory feels like a way of connecting with that part of him and honouring the drive he had. I like to think he’d get a real kick out of seeing me give it a proper go.”

Turning a difficult experience into something positive

Grandpa Jim passed away in December 2025 following a long and difficult battle with dementia. Jens’ other grandfather, Farfar, also died after living with the condition.

Watching both of his grandfathers experience dementia was incredibly difficult for Jens. “You watch the person you know slowly disappear over time, even though the man you grew up with is still there in front of you.”

Having seen first-hand the impact dementia can have on both individuals and their families, Jens wanted his challenge to support others going through a similar experience. “I wanted to help other families going through that same pain, and to support the carers who looked after my grandfathers so well.”

 

A first half marathon close to home

When it came to choosing his first event, the ASICS Manchester Half Marathon felt like the natural choice. “I needed a goal, and the route runs right past my house, so it felt like the obvious choice.”

With friends and family able to cheer him on along the way, Jens is looking forward to taking on the challenge close to home and sharing the experience with the people who have supported him throughout his training.

Jens hopes his story will also encourage others to think about how they can support people affected by dementia. “Every little helps on both fronts, whether you donate a little or a lot, or run a little or a lot. It’s all about chipping away, one step at a time.”

Support Jens and Alzheimer’s Society

You can support Jen’s ASICS Manchester Half fundraising challenge in memory of his grandfathers by visiting his fundraising page here. Feeling inspired by his story? You can also join Team Alzheimer Society at ASICS Manchester Half and take on your own fundraising challenge while funding vital work supporting people affected by dementia, funding research and campaigning for change here.