I remember the day in 2014 that Mum was diagnosed with Alzheimer's, holding back the tears I hurried her to the hospital cafe to distract her so she would forget what we had just been told.
At this time I knew very little about the disease, just what is portrayed in the media, the memory loss, confusion, change of behaviour and had no real idea where this heartbreaking journey was going to take her.
As time went on I came to realise the true horrors of this cruel disease as little by little the person I knew as my mum disappeared and the essence of her was taken away. The body that danced became rigid and motionless, the eyes that sparkled turned to blank stares and the voice that laughed (and told me off 1000 times) fell silent. Now in the late stages of the disease we can only do our best to make sure she is comfortable and cared for.

The Alzheimer's Society has been with us every step of the way with information and advice and the support I've recieved from their Talking Point forums has been invaluable, helping me feel less alone trying understand this bewildering disease.

In raising money for Alzheimer's I'm paying it forward, hopefully helping others and with further research, who knows, in the not too distant future maybe a cure can be found or at least a treatment to make life more bearable for the 1 in 3 of us expected to suffer from dementia in later life.

Thank you for any donation you can make.

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.