When Mum was diagnosed in 2016, it was heartbreaking. At that point, Mum and Dad had been married 50 years.  

Dad absolutely worshipped Mum and Mum was an absolute tour de force as a wife, partner and mother but sadly, as Alzheimer’s slowly robbed Mum of her dignity, we witnessed the pain and grief our Dad went through whilst also processing our own pain.  

And it is like grieving but not like mourning a death, rather grieving a life lost.

Sadly, we lost Dad in 2021; had Dad still been with us, this year would have marked their 56th wedding anniversary.   

Starting on Mum’s 75th birthday and finishing on what would have been Dad’s 80th birthday, I will be swimming a mile for every year of their marriage.

Given that we’re currently facing a cost of living crisis, I am aware money could be tight so anything that can be donated would be hugely appreciated.

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.