I’m planning a slightly different birthday this year - it falls on a Saturday (25th June), which in normal life would mean extra time to booze and party. This year, I’m going to be trekking 26 miles in the Lake District. I’ve always wanted to go there, but just haven’t got around to it yet. What a perfect excuse! Not only will I ticking it off the bucket list but, fingers crossed, I’ll also be raising a nice wedge for Alzheimer’s Society.

This is in light of Dad’s recent diagnosis of mixed vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s. I’d heard horror stories about the disease over the years and would consider how I felt sorry for the family etc, but truly, there is no preparing any family for what lies ahead with this evil disease. The shocking truth is just that - shocking, as well as incredibly heartbreaking.

Dad has deteriorated at an alarming rate and our concerns seem to grow daily. Anyone who has met my dad, PJ, even once, will know him as a fun-loving, witty, hardworking man, whose footsteps have pounded the streets of Whetstone several times a day for the past 40-something years. Only two months ago, that was still the case, but it seems that those days may well be gone (well certainly independently) because of this horrendous disease. The Alzheimer’s society are organising this trek and I would absolutely love to raise money for them to help current and future research in the hope that other patients and families will not need to experience what we have over the past couple of months. 

I’ve also managed to convince some friends to join me for the ride! Team Murray Monsters!! 

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.