Army Engineer Takes on London Marathon for Alzheimer's Cause
Adam Collings, a 32-year-old Royal Engineer, is set to run the London Marathon this year, dedicating his efforts to raising funds for Alzheimer's Society. His motivation stems from a deeply personal connection: his grandmother, affectionately known as "Granna," is a resident at Signature at Reigate Grange and lives with Alzheimer's and vascular dementia.
Inspiring Family Ties and Fundraising Success
Adam has already surpassed his initial fundraising target of £2,500, with hopes to increase this amount further. During visits to his grandmother, he shares updates on his marathon journey, which always brings her immense pride and joy. His mother noted, "Every time Adam tells Granna he's running the marathon for Alzheimer's Society, she's incredibly proud."
Adam cherishes memories of his grandparents, including Granna's homemade egg mayonnaise sandwiches and her famous Coronation chicken, made from a treasured family recipe. These moments fuel his determination to support a cause close to his heart.
Military Background and Endurance Challenges
As a dedicated member of the British Army, Adam joined the Royal Engineers after basic training in 2014. Currently based in Salisbury with the Household Cavalry Regiment as an Engineer Reconnaissance specialist, he previously served as a Phase-Two Training Instructor for two years.
Although this marks his first marathon, Adam is no stranger to endurance events. In 2025, he completed the Nijmegen March in the Netherlands, covering 40km daily over four days and raising over £2,000 for mental health charity Mind alongside fellow military personnel.
Community Support and Upcoming Duties
The team at Signature at Reigate Grange has rallied behind Adam's fundraiser, placing a collection box in reception, displaying posters, and promoting it in their monthly newsletter. Fahame Aboubacar, general manager, said, "We are incredibly proud to support Adam in his fundraising efforts. It's a wonderful way to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer's Society, and it means so much to see the connection between Adam and his grandmother."
Following the marathon, Adam will immediately return to duty, flying to Sweden for a three-week military exercise. He continues to train rigorously while balancing his demanding Army role and encourages public support for his Alzheimer's Society fundraiser.
