My name is Darren Barber..

My father was diagnosed with Dementia almost fifteen years ago. It wasn’t a nice experience, but I came to terms with it, and with the help of my Mother and I, we managed it.

He eventually had to move into a care home, and then a nursing home for his continued care.

Then Covid hit, and it became harder and harder to see him. This was coupled with a sudden and rapid decline in his condition.

When the final time came, we weren’t even able to visit him because the nursing home was under lock down.

Truth be told, it nearly crippled me.

Then barely three months later my Mother, our rock for the last fifteen years, started to show signs of Dementia too. Almost as if the only thing that had been keeping her going was the need to look after her husband.

It came both hard and fast, and she is now in the same care home my father spent time in.

I didn’t know it at the time, but this development pushed me even deeper into depression, and as a result my home and work relationships began to suffer.

A close friend of mine asked me if I would like to be involved in a charity boxing match raising money for Mind. It was like a switch was flipped and as soon as he asked me I knew I had to say yes.

Mind helped both my family and I during the really difficult time that my father was ill, this charity is very close to my heart and I need to give back.

The outpouring of support I have gotten so far is astounding. Alstom, my employer, are also affiliated with Mind as part of their mental health campaign. They have pledge their support for the event, and promised to match any amount I raise from other sources.

I would be eternally grateful for any support this committee could provide.

Yours in gratitude,

Darren Barber.