Ten years ago I was walking into town with my Mum. "What are we getting," she asked. "We're going to Boots Mum to get you some nail polish," I replied. We walked a little bit further chatting about this and that. Then she asked again, "What are we getting?" "Nail polish Mum, from Boots,  remember?" I answered slightly impatiently. By this time we were nearly at Boots and as we entered the store Mum asked again, "What are we getting?"

That's when I knew things weren't right with my Oxford University educated, one time leader of Surrey County Council, passionate gardener and lover-of-shells-on-beaches Mum.

There began a journey which I sure many of you have experienced with your own loved ones. Dr's appointments, brain scans, dementia diagnosis, heartbreaking denial and the slow, relentless march of a disease that took my Mum's memories and most basic abilities, robbed my Dad of his beloved wife and me of the person I could turn to for advice on anything from what to look for when buying my first flat to how to make the best gravy ever.

As a family we have been lucky. Mum eventually moved into a local care home which has provided consistently loving care for the past 8 years. Mum is now bedridden. She hasn't recognised me for over 3 years. She has lost the power of speech. Sometimes when I visit she is unresponsive. But other times she is awake and makes eye contact. We listen to music together, I chat on about this and that and sometimes we even share a laugh. Those are precious moments. She loves a cuddle and to have her hair stroked and I feel we do connect in these moments. I believe she feels my loving presence and I cherish each visit.

But how I wish we could arrive at a day when no-one else has to hear the terrifying diagnosis of dementia and when no other family has to go through the grief of losing a loved one, bit by bit, to this cruel disease.

The Alzheimer’s Society is there for everyone affected by dementia, leading research to improve diagnosis, find effective treatments and providing support to everyone affected by dementia.

That's why in 2023 I will be walking 3202 miles,  rain or shine,  to raise money for the Alzheimer’s Society. My goal is to raise £3202. I will be giving weekly updates on this page and on Instagram @feelgoodwalk. So please check in and cheer me on 😀

Every penny you give goes straight to the Alzheimer’s Society. I would be so grateful if you can help me by giving any amount you can. Every penny counts. 

Please help me smash my target and smash Alzheimer’s...because memories are precious.