Sally McCluskey
Sally's page
Fundraising for Alzheimer's Society
Story
Hi Everyone!
Thank you for even taking the time to open this page - it means a lot.
My nana suffered a stroke five years ago and has since developed Alzheimer's Disease. She's now at the stage where she can no longer recognise her loved ones which is heartbreaking not only for her but for her family and friends.
Dementia can affect anyone and is caused by diseases of the brain, one of these is Alzheimer’s. There are currently over 800,000 people with dementia in the UK and this figure will rise to over 1 million by 2021.
Dementia is terminal and there is no cure. One in three people over 65 will die with dementia. Alzheimer’s Society supports people to live well with dementia today and funds research to find a cure for tomorrow.
This is why I've decided to do the Great North Run - to show my support for the incredible work carried out by the Alzheimer's Society.
A few weeks ago I couldn't even run 1 mile but on the 16th September I'll be proud to run in honour of a woman who has given me unconditional love all of my life.
I'm trying to raise as much possible on behalf of the Alzheimer's Society - any donations/sponsorship would be greatly appreciated not only by my family and nana but every family affected by Alzheimers.
Thank you xxxxxxx
Below are two poems that I can relate to and wanted to share with you.
She’s trapped inside the prison walls
That used to be her mind.
The woman that she used to be,
Has long been left behind.
There are times she’s quite alert,
Her memory’s still intact.
Then there are days when she disappears,
And we know it’s not an act.
No longer able to care for herself,
We couldn’t leave her alone.
Her safety had to be assured,
So we placed her in a home.
Good days are when we visit her,
And she calls us by our name.
She’s grateful for the company,
And thankful that we came.
Most of the time it’s difficult,
To see our Mom that way.
All we can do is love her now,
As we take life day by day.
That used to be her mind.
The woman that she used to be,
Has long been left behind.
There are times she’s quite alert,
Her memory’s still intact.
Then there are days when she disappears,
And we know it’s not an act.
No longer able to care for herself,
We couldn’t leave her alone.
Her safety had to be assured,
So we placed her in a home.
Good days are when we visit her,
And she calls us by our name.
She’s grateful for the company,
And thankful that we came.
Most of the time it’s difficult,
To see our Mom that way.
All we can do is love her now,
As we take life day by day.
Do not ask me to remember.
Don't try to make me understand.
Let me rest and know you're with me.
Kiss my cheek and hold my hand.
I'm confused beyond your concept.
I am sad and sick and lost.
All I know is that I need you
To be with me at all cost.
Do not lose your patience with me.
Do not scold or curse or cry.
I can't help the way I'm acting,
Can't be different though I try.
Just remember that I need you,
That the best of me is gone.
Please don't fail to stand beside me,
Love me til my life is done.
- Author Unknown -