Thank you for visiting my fundraising page, which remembers my Mum Peggy, who died from the complications of Alzheimer's on Saturday 17th May -- just one day after her 55th wedding anniversary to my Father, Les.
Peggy had a remarkable life. A natural performer, she served with the forces entertainment organisation ENSA during the second world war and I grew up to the sound of her clear soprano voice around the house as we did the weekly chores together. She and my father were always close and worked together successfully for many years -- not only in raising me but in running a busy town centre pub and, later a corner sweet shop which they built up from scratch. She was capable of making friends with anybody -- even the most shy and retiring of strangers -- and was incredibly quick witted, with a fantastic memory for anecdotes and an encyclopaedic knowledge of actors and singers' career histories.
It was because of Mum's normally quick wit and reliable memory that the early onset of Alzheimer's was relatively easy to spot. We all practice denial at such times, of course, but I knew the unmistakeble signs were there long before her condition was officially diagnosed in the summer of 2002.
Since then I have watched her progress through each sad and inevitable stage of the condition -- knowing all the time that each plateau stage would be followed eventually by the next. There are no reprieves.
You can learn more about the details of this increasingly common condition through the excellent resources which the Alzheimer's Society provides -- although nothing quite prepares you for the reality of seeing a loved one's abilities and personality disappear before your eyes. By the time that physical death arrives it can feel like a blessing. And perhaps an unexpected blessing, too, is that relatives have an opportunity of sorts to do some grieving, by degrees, before the end.
I have set up this page in the hope that friends will support me in a modest gesture of support to the charity that exists to help families like ours, living with Alzheimer's. I do hope you will be able to spare just a little for that.
Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Alzheimer's Society gets your money faster and, if you’re a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.
Thank you for your support.
Christine Burns
