Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page. The photo above is of me with my lovely Grandma, Janina. Grandma was born in Poland just after the first world war. She grew up on a farm surrounded by animals which she adored, until her family were forced from their home into a Siberian work camp by the Russians when she was a teenager. Surviving some of the most horrendous experiences imaginable, she went on to be an army nurse during WW2, and gave birth to my father in Palestine just before civil war broke out there. She was given a lifeline by the Red Cross and came to the UK as a refugee, living in a tented refugee camp in High Wycombe for many years, with three young children to care for. She worked very hard in the factories of Slough and High Wycombe for most of her adult life, and managed to ensure her children received a good education and integrated into British culture.

She was diagnosed with dementia 2 years ago and now lives in a care home nearby. Dementia is a terrible disease that eats away at the person you knew - my Grandma now sometimes doesn't recognise me or her great grandchildren, who only a few months ago were the light of her life. She thinks I am still a 5 year old girl, and does not relate to the elderly people she lives with, even though she is 90. She lives in a world of confusion and often fear, recalling traumatic events from her youth in war-torn Poland and Eastern Europe. Having faced more challenges in her life than most of us can only imagine, dementia has eaten away at her confidence and ability to understand the world in which she now lives. Also, the family have all faced incredible stress and heartache during the last few years, whilst caring for Grandma and making difficult decisions about her care.

Throughout her illness the Azheimer's Society have been a source of advice and support for us all. And the work they are doing to research dementia and find treatments and hopefully a cure is fantastic. But it's expensive, so every penny donated helps. That's why I have chosen to take part in this challenge in the Grand Canyon in March 2016 on behalf of the Alzheimer's Society. I don't run, and could never dream of doing a marathon or sky dive! But I can walk, and with the help of my trusty sidekick Mojo dog I am going to spend the months up to the event getting my body used to the experience of trekking for many hours over difficult rocky terrain in the Arizona desert. To be honest the walking won't be the hardest bit though, it will be the nights spent camping in the desert (with no toilet, shower, running water etc!), and being alone so far away from my family that will really test my resilience. Those that know me well will know how hard this will be for me, so I really do appreciate every penny donated, and promise to do you all proud. 

I have said I'll raise £3350 so if anyone has any good fundraising ideas please share them! 

If you would like to ask me any questions about the challenge please email me mrsmarthamclean@yahoo.co.uk

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