Ryan Libbey Will Run New York Marathon for Charity
The 36-year-old athlete is racing to raise funds for the Alzheimer's Society in memory of his late grandfather.
Updated on Oct. 11, 2026 in Alzheimer’s
Thirty-six-year-old 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' battles with the disease.
Why it matters
The effort highlights the widespread impact of Alzheimer's disease on families and the ongoing need for support. It brings personal visibility to a condition that affects over 1 million people in the UK.
Official statistics indicate there are currently 1 million people living with dementia in the UK, a figure projected to grow to over 1.4 million by 2040. Ryan Libbey is targeting a £25,000 donation goal for the Alzheimer's Society.
The players
Ryan Libbey
He is a 36-year-old athlete participating in the New York Marathon to raise awareness and funds for dementia research.
Alzheimer's Society
This is a UK-based non-profit organization dedicated to supporting individuals affected by dementia and funding research into the condition.
Tom Libbey
He was the grandfather of Ryan Libbey who died from the effects of Alzheimer's disease.
Christine Libbey
She is the 85-year-old grandmother of Ryan Libbey who is currently suffering from advanced Alzheimer's disease.
The details
Libbey, who is the father of a four-year-old son, decided to support the charity after his grandfather, Tom Libbey, died from Alzheimer's at age 80 in 2015. His grandmother, Christine, is currently 85 and living in the advanced stages of the disease.
Timeline
Tom Libbey passed away from Alzheimer's disease in 2015.
The New York Marathon will take place in November 2026.
Dementia cases in the UK are projected to reach 1.4 million by 2040.
The Big Picture
The story follows a trajectory established by the Alzheimer's Society's UK dementia prevalence projections for 2040, highlighting the urgent need for support as the population ages.
This fundraiser highlights the financial and emotional commitment required to care for family members living with advanced Alzheimer's. Readers may find resources through organizations like the Alzheimer's Society to help navigate the costs and caregiving requirements associated with the disease.
The takeaway
Supporting Alzheimer's research helps address a growing global health challenge that impacts millions of families. Individuals looking to support the cause can often find local chapters or volunteer opportunities to assist those currently living with the disease.
Further reading
For more information on the condition, visit the Alzheimer’s section of our site.
