I’m doing the memory walk in honour of my mum who has been suffering with Lewy Body Dementia for several years and is slipping away piece by piece infront of our very eyes. 

I am one of four children who were unbelievably blessed to have such a wonderful and amazing mum there by our sides, loving and supporting us throughout our lives. She has been our best friend and so totally involved in everything we’ve ever done.  We would each call mum for daily chats, take it in turn for evening meals and every single weekend would be spent with at least one of us if not all of us for family get togethers. She would join us on holidays and in later life show our children, her grandchildren, the same unconditional love she always showed us.  Our mum never stopped laughing, giggling and finding enjoyment in everything she ever did. Mum radiated happiness and kindness and everyone who ever met her would always get caught up in one of her amazing hugs! She was the kind of mum that made your heart melt.

Approximately 8yrs ago our beautiful mum started to forget little things and get confused here and there. Just small things initially and silly things we would all laugh about together. Over time, it became more and more noticeable, constantly misplacing things, forgetting where she had been, where she was going, how to drive, her confidence and independence just vanished.  It took a couple of years to actually get the doctors to listen and eventually diagnose Alzheimer’s, then Lewy Body Dementia with Parkinson’s.

Since that diagnosis, what has happened to our mum is just heartbreaking. Day by day, piece by piece her memory, her comprehension of day to day tasks and physical ability to look after herself disappeared.  In just a few short years this amazing lady, our mum, became a shell of her former self and we had no choice but to accept she needed to go into a care home. For people going through this process or for those who have also had to make this tough decision you will understand the pain and anguish that these decisions cause, it is devastating. 

Mum is still with us. We still visit her almost daily but she no longer knows who we are, she cannot speak or communicate with us and yet every now and then, she will open her eyes and look into ours, hold our gaze and you just know, even if it’s only for a moment, that she knows we are there and we love her, and that twinkle in her eyes reminds you of just how much she loved us too.

Yes I’m doing the memory walk for my mum, for other mums, for other dads and relatives, for anyone out there hurting and feeling the pain of watching someone slip away and most importantly to raise money for any kind of support and research to help fight against this horrendous, cruel destructive disease.

For you mum xx

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.