Thanks for taking the time to visit our JustGiving page.

I wanted to tell you why we have decided to raise money for the Alzheimer’s society.

My Nonno has struggled for over 10 years with dementia.  He, sadly, was not one of the only ones in our family to have struggled with this disease.

I have had personal experience both working for the NHS as a health care assistant, and also, as a part time carer for both Nonno and Grandma through prognosis, living with the disease and in the latter part and end of their lives.

It is my understanding and belief that it is such a misunderstood and under researched disease - the problem is, is that the way it affects each person can be completely different therefore altering that person in a plethora of ways.

My Nonno was such a strong, proud and passionate man from a small town in Sicily called Sambuca.

All he ever wanted was the best for his family which prompted his move, in 1961, with my father and Nonna, to England - for a better life!  

If you had met my Nonno, regardless of at what stage of life you met him, one thing that had remained throughout, was his LOVE for life. His undying love for his family. His incredible passion and drive. His sense of humour. His smile, and the glint in his eye.

When considering, how best to commemorate him, I thought that putting money into more research, supporting local Alzheimer centres and more funding for care was the best way forward.

I have to give a very special mention to the Nursing Home my Nonno lived in for the past 8 years.

Grasmere Nursing Home in Worthing cared for both my Nonno and my Grandma.  They offered such exemplary care, such personal care, making us feel like family.  I really couldn’t have asked for more from them, and, the care offered by all the members of staff there, will stay with my family for many years to come.  It is a real shame that there aren’t enough homes like this.

I hope you have enjoyed getting to know some of the reasons I’ve decided to raise money for this worthy cause.

Grazie Mille! Con tanto affetto!

Baci,

Daniele (“Sam’s” eldest grandson)

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