How we spend your money
Joan, 94: ‘He’s running for a great cause’
‘When Craig was growing up his mum and dad were both working long hours. I’d take him to school and pick him up so he spent a lot of time with me and his grandfather.
‘I live in sheltered housing now with 64 bedroom units so he sees a lot of older people when he comes to visit.
‘I have to go to hospital next week and the first thing Craig said was, ‘I’ll take you, Nan.’ When I had a pacemaker fitted he was there all day, waiting for me. The other day I had to get a taxi and Craig said to the driver, ‘You’ve got precious cargo there.’ He’s so thoughtful and kind.
‘I’m very pleased about him running the marathon for Independent Age and I’m very proud of him. He’s doing a lot of training and it’s for a great cause.
‘I’ll be cheering him on all the way to the finish line!’
Craig, 36: ‘We’ve always had a special relationship’
‘We don’t do enough for older people in our society today. We’re very different from some of our closest friends in Europe where family units are much stronger and the heads of the families are the grandparents. British culture could learn a lot.
‘I’ve always had a special relationship with my grandparents. Grandpop taught me to ride a bike, tell the time, watch me play cricket. When Grandpop died, my nan gave me twice as much love.
‘The Independent Age helpline helped me in the past when I needed information for my wife’s mother and her husband. The advice they gave me was fantastic.
‘When I saw this charity had spaces for the London Marathon, I thought it was too good to be true.
‘This will be the first marathon I’ve ever taken on. Wish me luck!’
