My lovely mum has raised four children, is now granny to twelve and has always been the most loving and devoted wife. She was an incredible teacher and many tell me now she was their favourite at school! She has looked after us all and filled us with so much love, patience and food! Sadly Ma was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s over a year ago, with symptoms being obvious for many, many years before this. This has led to Ma being unable to do many things such as bake and cook (part of her identity and hobbies) and she needs a lot of support with things (other than cleaning, she’s ace at that). Ma can feel incredibly anxious at times and the lack of being able to speak properly I can see is frustrating. It can lead to a lack of engagement, affecting self esteem and mood. It affects everyone differently but I’m sure a common theme is that we lose the person they are, or should I say, Dementia takes them away. It is unbearable.

Dementia (the umbrella term) is such an unbelievably cruel disease and I just wish I could do more to help. I love baking with Ma on a Thursday and it gives my dad a tiny bit of little freedom and rest. I have seen first hand how difficult it can be being a full time carer. Hopefully more on that another time.

My lovely (paternal) Granny Barbara had dementia in her latter years, and I’ll never forget visiting her in her care home. It broke my heart that she was so lovely and smiley but didn’t know who I was. She was still completely gorgeous and I felt so desperate to help.

I have friends who have parents with Dementia, and you really have to be in it to know how hard it is. It is just heartbreaking and nothing can prepare you for it. It’s a real switch of roles and I’m just so glad all my mum ever did was show me how to love and feel loved, because it makes showing her love and patience so easy.

I love you Ma and everything you do / say / have written down I will treasure forever. I have so many memories of when I was young and I kind of wish we could go back, sometimes. Thanks for lying with me to get me to sleep, you always made me feel safe and I hope I make you feel safe now too.

This November, I'm completing 100 skips each day and raising funds to help ensure no family faces dementia alone. I'm taking on the challenge for Dementia UK, the specialist dementia nursing charity, and would be grateful for your support. Your donation, big or small, makes a difference.

Just £8 can cover the telephone costs for two families seeking support through Dementia UK's free Helpline.

£33 could fund a new dementia specialist Admiral Nurse to spend an hour helping a family in the community, offering practical solutions and emotional support to cope with their loved one’s distressed behaviour.

Thank you!