I am taking part in this 26 mile London walk for Alzheimer’s Society with my sister, Mandy and niece, Hannah. Together we hope to raise substantial funds for the Alzheimer’s Society to help with ongoing research and care for those living with dementia. Please help by donating what you can, thank you.

Our amazing Mum Eileen has been living with vascular dementia for several years. It was a privilege to have her living with us in Sale for 12 months last year where we had a lot of fun and laughter, also sharing her between my fabulous sisters so that we could have respite breaks. Mums felt safe here and was able to help out doing a few little jobs - chopping carrots and pairing socks being favourites! We went to ‘singing for the brain’ on a weekly basis - run by the Alzheimer’s Society - and she’d often join me at Rock Choir too. Singing really was a big part of her living with us - she has a beautiful voice and is the most caring person in the world, never wanting to be a nuisance to anyone. 

The main picture above shows Mums’ love for life and not wanting to miss out on anything. She loved swimming in the sea - in fact it was Mums who got us all into it from just out of nappies! She kept talking about going in the sea again so when we were able, we met Mandy and family in Treaddur Bay in August 2020 and took her in - followed by a big ice cream on the beach.. That must have been one of her highlights as she talked about it all the way home that evening, but sadly had then forgotten about it the next day.

For those who know our Mum Eileen, you’ll know her sparkly eyes and cheeky smile light up any room and she has the patience of a saint. Saint Eileen. We are so lucky to have her as our Mum.

Unfortunately Mums’ dementia took a downturn in October and as a (Greenway) family, we struggled to cope and realised Mums needed more professional care and routine. She moved to a wonderful care home near Hope and she continues to receive excellent care from the fantastic staff there.

More than 850,000 people in the UK have dementia. One in fourteen over 65 have it and the condition affects one in six people over 60. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia, affecting between 50 - 75% of those diagnosed. Vascular dementia - which Mum suffers with - affects up to 20% of those diagnosed. Sadly there is no cure for Alzheimer’s or any other type of dementia and dementia research is desperately underfunded.

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.

Thank you for reading and please make a donation to help spur us on in June. Thank you xx