Mum was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s several years ago. It didn’t come as a big surprise as we had all noticed her increasing forgetfulness and had become accustomed to it. Her symptoms were mild and her condition remained relatively stable for the next few years. However, in September last year, everything changed overnight. Mum went from being able to pop out to the shops or round to my sister’s house to walk their dog, to being confused, not knowing what day it was and being unable to be left on her own. Dad now cares for her every day and over the last six months her condition has progressively deteriorated. It has been devastating for us all to see this decline, especially as it started so suddenly and has progressed so quickly.

On 28th May my two sisters, brother-in-law and I, along with friends who have also been affected by this cruel disease, are taking part in Trek26 in London to raise money for Alzhemier’s Society to help them continue funding research into the cause, cure and prevention of dementia, and to support people living with dementia today.

Walking 26 miles will be no small challenge for me given that I do next to no exercise, but I am determined to do it and can be very stubborn when I want to be (as many of you will know!) Please help me along the way with any sponsorship you can manage – every pound makes a difference. Thank you so much for your support.