Dementia is the UKs biggest killer. Someone develops it every three minutes and currently there is no cure. We know it is scary but we must confront the biggest health & social care challenge of our time..

My story

In 2017 we were eagerly planning our early retirement from teaching. We loved our profession but were looking forward to spending more time together doing the things we enjoyed, like travelling and spending time with our grandchildren.

It was in 2017 that David began showing early signs of the illness but it wasn’t until after a two year struggle that his symptoms were acknowledged, finally receiving a diagnosis of Early Onset Alzheimer’s in 2019. We were devastated.

From that day on, we were determined that we would fight it together and deal with whatever came our way head-on.

Navigating the dementia care system road was difficult and often a very long and lonely one, with very little guidance, support or follow-up from healthcare professionals in how to navigate the illness for both patient and carer. During this time, Alzheimer’s Society was a lifeline, providing the much needed help and support.

David fought his illness with incredible bravery over the following five years but sadly lost his battle and passed away on 22nd June 2024.

Dementia needs to be much more of a priority both now and for the 1 in 3 of us that will go on to develop it in our lifetime. This illness has a life changing impact on those diagnosed as well as those who love and care for them.

I will be joining the memory walk in Tatton Park, Cheshire on 12th October in his honour and to help raise money for the valuable work done by the Alzheimer’s Society. Any donations will be greatly appreciated.