My mum is in the late stages of Alzheimer’s. I often wonder how long she has left with us but that’s an unknown. I’ve been running for years but this year I decided to run for Alzheimer’s support and want to raise money and support my mum whilst she is still with us. We started to notice a change in mum in her late 50’s. It was noticeable that her memory wasn’t as good and she became argumentative. It was obvious something wasn’t quite right as the years progressed and in 2015 Mum got diagnosed with cognitive impairment when she was 65 which progressed to dementia Alzheimer’s in 2018 when she was 68. In the last two years since having my second child we have seen a rapid decline in mum. Unfortunately she is now completely incontinent and she can’t do anything for herself. Mum can’t even hold a conversation any more. She can say the odd few words but nothing makes sense. She has battled with hallucinations and often seems very scared and frightened. It has been truly devastating for the family to see my mum who has always been such an outgoing, strong and determined lady almost altered into a totally different unrecognisable person. She is still my mum and I make sure to always tell her I love her and give her big cuddles which she always loves. I always take my boys to see her and she loves watching them. Years ago she would be playing on the floor with them and it’s sad she can no longer interact but I’m happy they know who she is and are kind to her. The real hero of this story is my dad  and I’m running Bath as much for my dad as my mum. Dad has gone from running his own successful business to being mums full time carer. He literally does everything for her including bathing, wiping her bottom you name it! I’m so incredibly proud of him. He is amazing no other words for it. He along with my wonderful husband have been my rock. The charity I’m raising money for has been very supportive to me and my dad over the last couple of years and to many families in the Wiltshire area. Anyone who has experienced a family member with dementia will understand how devastating and incredibly hard it can be for all close to that person. So big thanks to Alzheimer’s Support. We truly appreciate everything you do! 

To all my friends out there please help me to achieve my target and support my incredible mum, dad and this amazing charity which in turn will help other families going through this. 

No matter how big or small I really appreciate your donation and support.