In 2012 my family and I began our incredible journey caring
for my beautiful Ning Nang (Nana) who suffered from Alzheimer's disease along with vascular dementia. Ning Nang lost her wonderful husband in 2001 and had grown to be very independent; having never learned to drive and with decreased mobility she still did her own shopping, visited her sisters and cared for her children and grand children with love and determination. It was only when she was persuaded by some very illusive 'gardeners' to withdraw cash for a very botched job, that both herself and my family realised that her judgement and independence was not the same as it once was. She begrudgingly moved from her beloved home in Lancaster to live
with my Mum, Dad, brother, sister and I in Lancashire and this is where the decline worsened. Ning Nang very quickly lost her ability to speak, carry out daily tasks and often became frustrated and confused - she no longer baked us cakes, made us 'special cups of tea' and wrapped us in bandages, however everyday when I arrived home from school we would always have a cuppa and a Kit Kit and watch her all time favourite game show 'Deal or no Deal'. It is memories like these that remain prominent in my mind, she was still there in some ways, still
gave warm cuddles and kisses and danced to Elvis with me when her hips would allow it. In September of 2016 Ning Nang's condition meant it was incredibly difficult to care for her at home and my Mum and her sisters made the heart breaking decision that she would be safer in a home; they found her a place at the wonderful Safe Harbour Dementia nursing home in the Wirral. We continued to visit her every Sunday and the team at Safe Harbour were incredible, we knew
that Ning Nang was in the best place and she still giggled, smiled and
attempted the cross word when we visited and even though she did not really know who we really were, a kiss on the nose caused a familiar sparkle in her eyes which brought us comfort. She passed away very comfortably and peacefully in July of 2018 just before her 84th birthday. The reason I share my story and am running for Alzheimer's Research UK is because of their very real ideology
that driving the conversation about dementia will enable people to look at it differently, I want to be part of the global force against the disease to ensure the fierce independence my Ning Nang lost will never be lost by others in the future. It is the independence and determination Ning Nang taught me that drives me in my career as a Primary School Teacher, in my role as a supporter for my wonderful partner who often works away from home and most of all encourages me to adventure, dance to Elvis and always love life through all of its challenges.

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