My late grandfather suffered from dementia. I can’t imagine how it must have felt for him but at times he seemed worried and frightened. He was old, he’d lost his strength and his mind was leaving him too. My family didn't really know how to cope; perhaps there was more help available but we didn't know. Looking back, there was so much we didn’t know back then and that is why helping to raise awareness of Alzheimer’s and dementia is so important to me. 

When I was a little boy I would hold my grandfather’s finger and we would go for leisurely strolls around our local area. I would get tired very quickly so he would buy me sweets and a fizzy drink to help me along my way. He loved me and I loved him. As time went by, his memory faded and I watched as a young man as he slowly forgot about me as a little boy. Soon he couldn't remember me at all and looked at me as a stranger in his room. It hurt.

Now here I am, years since he passed, about to take hold of his finger once more as I set off on a 6 day climb of Mt. Kilimanjaro. The summit sits at 5,895m (19,341 ft) above sea level. The highest point on the African continent and the highest free standing mountain in the world. Altitude sickness no doubt awaits me as I struggle to acclimatise. It will be tough and I will get tired. But when I do I’ll eat my sweets and carry on. When I reach the summit I’ll sip my fizzy drink as I look towards the horizon and remember the little boy and the old man.

Help me raise money for the Alzheimer's Society. Your donation, any donation, is truly appreciated.

Thank you.

Khalid.

Alzheimer’s Society is transforming the landscape of dementia
forever. Until the day we find a cure, we will create a society where those
affected by dementia are supported and accepted, able to live in their
community without fear or prejudice.