Last year, my birthday treat was taking part in the Alzheimer's Society's "Memory Walk" at Heaton Park with some members of my family. We had a wonderful day raising funds for the Alzheimer's Society, but this September, it's time for something different, a Memory Mile swim, with my husband, Brenden, to help raise funds for the Alzheimer's Society.

My lovely mum, Lily, was diagnosed with dementia when she was 62. Whilst dementia robbed us of an exceptionally kind, loving and gifted lady, she remains an inspiration to me. So, in memory of my mum (the non-swimmer, who was determined to ensure that I would learn to swim), and for all the other families who are, and who will be, affected by dementia,  please make a donation. All the money raised will help support people living with dementia and their families.