AAARGGGH!!! I HAVE BEEN SELECTED TO RUN THE LONDON MARATHON FOR THE ALZHEIMERS SOCIETY!!!

I have never been a runner, but for some reason last year I decided to apply for a charity place with the Alzheimer’s Society to run the London Marathon.

Late October, I got the call to offer me a place.  To say I was shocked was an understatement!  I asked for 24 hours to decide and talk to my family and friends about the commitment it would take and the support I would need.  Of course they all said to go for it!

The training is not easy as Norfolk is far from flat!  The days are short and the weather is not always ideal, but I am getting out there and
doing it!

The main reason I said ‘yes’ to the place was that my Mum has this awful disease and this is my story.

In April 2013 we had the devastating diagnosis that my Mum, my best friend, had early onset Fronto Temporal Dementia, Behavioural Variant at the young age of 63. We had noticed a lot of changes in Mum's behaviour prior to this and just thought that she was becoming selfish.

At this point we had no idea about this variant of Dementia and we spent a lot of time researching it and attending Alzheimer’s society groups. They were so supportive and understanding and I shed many a tear on the phone to them!

Mum was always very much into her fitness, playing golf and tennis. She went on cycling holidays with friends and walking holidays. She had a real joy for life and was always having dinner parties and entertaining.

My father is an active member of his local Rotary Club and Mum would cater for the exchange visitors. Being one of 6, Mum also catered for all the family gatherings.

Within 6 months of the diagnosis, Mum had her driving licence revoked and I had to remove her car, her freedom, her pride and joy, from her. She could not understand this, as she said, "they said I may get dementia in 10 years, but I am fine". She just did not want to accept this, her condition did not let her. However, she didn't try to drive mine or dads cars thankfully.

Mum would disappear, indeed one Christmas she suddenly was not at my house anymore, 2 hours later she came back quite happy with herself as she had been looking round houses in the village that were for sale!

Sadly Mum had to go into care 2 years ago as her condition deteriorated so quickly, she was so active but unaware of what she was doing, she would call taxi's to take her to places, cycle off without her phone, go up to strangers and tell them that she loved them and just run across roads. She loved music and would play music so loudly that you could hear it right across her village, everything became extreme.

My mum has always been a very caring and loving individual and this continued to the point it was over the top! The worst thing was that, by the time Mum went into care, she was unaware of danger to herself and others and she was very active. She had got to a point that she would not shower or wash her hair but she still put on her make up. Dad could not cope, nor could the 2 carers, with how difficult and challenging Mum had become and, with continuing health care, the decision was made that the time had come for Mum's safety that she should go into care.

When Mum went into care she was still very able and still put on her make up. She would always tell me how wonderful she thought I was and how much she loved me. The same with my son. This journey has been extremely difficult for us all.

When my son was 10 months old, I moved back to Norfolk and lived with my parents for 6 months and have lived near them since. Will and his Granny were best buddies and they adored each other. When I went back to work he spend 3 days a week with Granny. When Will started school, Granny often picked him up. Will gets very upset if he sees her now, as she doesn't recognise him at all.

Over the past 2 years Mum has deteriorated very quickly. She is now bent over, is doubly incontinent and is on a puree diet. It has had a devastating effect on all of our family and friends. We have private carers in with Mum every day to make sure she has stimulation and care.

Nothing can bring my Mum, my best friend back, but if I can raise some money to help with research, support, educating people then I can give something back. Thank you for your time reading this.

If you feel you can sponsor me a little, it would be greatly appreciated! 

Thank you for all the support and kind wishes.

 Trish xx