Ryan Libbey Runs New York Marathon to Honor Grandparents Battling Alzheimer's

Ryan Libbey, a 36-year-old star of the reality television show 'Made in Chelsea,' is preparing to run the New York Marathon in honor of his grandparents, both of whom have been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. Libbey has publicly shared his heartbreak and fears surrounding the neurodegenerative disorder as he aims to raise £25,000 for the Alzheimer's Society.

Libbey's grandfather, Tom, a former Marine and international athlete, died from the disease at age 80. His grandmother, Christine, 85, is currently in the advanced stages of Alzheimer's. Libbey described his grandmother's current condition as severe, noting that she has difficulty with speech and basic functions and no longer recognizes her family.

"She's been suffering for quite some time now, and I feel like the disease has got the tightest grip on her," Libbey stated in an interview. "She has no idea who we are. She can barely function with her speech or actually any functions at all. She is fully supported in every way and that's the scary part of it."

Reflecting on his grandfather's past, Libbey called him a hero and a role model. He recounted Tom's decline, noting that despite his previous physical fitness and active lifestyle, the disease deteriorated his ability to communicate and function, leading to a tragic death.

"It just goes to show, I've got two grandparents, one's physically fit, the other one's mentally so sharp and yet they were both snatched away by this disease. So it's really terrifying to be that close to it," Libbey said.

His personal fear of inheriting the disease is significant. "My alignment with the charity now is because of those two, but it's also left this fear in myself because if Leo ever has to feed me in a chair and I don't recognise my own son, that's like the worst nightmare possible," he expressed.

According to the Alzheimer's Society, the vast majority of Alzheimer's cases, over 99%, are not hereditary. The primary risk factor for the disease is age. However, the society notes that if Alzheimer's develops at an earlier age, generally before 60, there is a greater chance it could be a hereditary form.

Libbey also discussed the sensitive topic of his young son Leo meeting his great-grandmother. Leo, who is now nearly five years old, was about one year old when he met Christine for a photograph. Libbey believes his son is now too aware and inquisitive to understand his great-grandmother's condition without causing confusion.

"I think if he was a little bit smaller, he would probably bring loads of innocence and joy to the room, and, arguably, it might help, but I just think now he would probably ask too many questions that I probably couldn't answer," Libbey said.

Libbey views running as a therapeutic activity that allows him time to process his thoughts and emotions. He is running the 26.2-mile marathon next month as part of his fundraising efforts for the Alzheimer's Society.