Mum was a very healthy woman, never taking medication, relying instead on vitamins and moisturiser. As she started to get slightly confused or her memory let her down, she flatly refused to accept there was anything more than a late night or getting a bit older to blame. I remember the day we went to Bromley memory clinic, and she was diagnosed with Dementia. She described the condition, along with Covid, rain, or any temporary ache or pain, as a “bloody nuisance”. 

That evening, we went out for a meal in Orpington High Street where I stopped at a restaurant window and started to read from the menu the options, I thought that she might like. She listened for a while then stopped, looked me straight in the eyes and said, “I’ve got Dementia, I can still fucking read”.

I miss Mum madly, but she would want me, and all of us to be happy, keep smiling and make the most of everything, as she always did herself.

I'm running the Brighton marathon, at age 61 and for the second time, to raise funds for the Alzheimer's Society to help those affected by dementia, and support research for a cure.

Alzheimer’s Society is transforming the landscape of dementia forever. Until the day we find a cure, we will create a society where those affected by dementia are supported and accepted, able to live in their community without fear or prejudice.