My Grandma, I’ve always seen her as the head of the family. The matriarch, the one we all revolve around, like she is the centre of our universe. My mother’s mother, she has been a steady constant for my entire life. She taught me how to paint my nails. She took me and my cousins out for day trips and to car boots.She loved to be a hostess, having the whole family around her, especially at Christmas.

Always blunt, never shying away from what needed to be said, but ready for a kiss and a hug whenever she saw you, my Grandma is an amazing woman. 

She is also, sadly, a woman with Vascular Dementia. 

If anyone reading this has known anyone with this disease, or in fact any sort of dementia or Alzheimer’s, you know how awful it is. It is changing my strong, ballsy, independent grandmother, and turning her into a shadow.

For the first time, I see her as a frail old lady, rather than my Grandma, the woman who would cheer for the Baggies (West Brom for those who don’t know) when sitting in the Wolves stand of the stadium, and happily ride the tram full of opposing footie fans without a care in the world. 

Update: 4/4/18 -  My grandma has since passed away, so to do this in her memory means even more to me. 

There isn’t currently a cure for dementia, but with kind donations, more research can be done into this horrible, life-changing disease and just maybe, there will be a break-through in our lifetime. It won't be in time for my grandma, and maybe not for anyone of my generation, but maybe the future will be a little more positive for our children. 

Most of you know, I love to bake. I occasionally bake for others, including friends and work colleagues, just because I love to bake and can’t possibly eat it all. Now though, I have another reason. 

If I can get a donation for anything I bake, it will go to the Alzheimer's Society. Any donation, big or small will be very much appreciated. If you don’t want to donate online, you can donate via text or in person (if you see me semi-regularly). 

I know we are all trying to be healthier, but if you want to treat yourself, think of me. Even if you just do it once, remember to count the memories, and not the calories! 

Thanks for visiting my page.

Kelly

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