My strong, beautiful, kind, funny Mum, Gwyneth, has Vascular Dementia and Alzheimers. 

It's a terribly cruel condition which is very likely hereditary, so whilst it's painful, scary and frustrating watching her personality being altered; her powers of communication melting away and her memories being torched even while she's trying to access them...there is also the cold truth that this could all be knocking on my door one day too. So, until they find a cure, I'd like to do something to help, while I'm able. 

The trek is around a 26 mile circuit taking in the peaks of Pen-y-Ghent, Ingleborough and Whernside and we'll walk it in one go which should take under 12 hours. Not being a Yorkshire lass, I've yet to make their acquaintance so I'm currently blissfully ignorant but when I mention it to those who have, I'm left in no doubt that this is going to be tough, so I'm on with my training and hoping I hang on to my toenails because I've heard some right horror stories!

I'm very much hoping to raise more than the £300.00 target. If you're reading this and you're able to donate even a small amount, I'd be very grateful.

Mum now lives in a very good, safe, warm and friendly home just 20 minutes from me. I see her at least twice a week and she still recognises me - which is something I'm tremendously thankful for - but there's no way I can understand what the days, hours and minutes feel like for her. Sometimes I see torment and confusion in her eyes and she's right there in front of me but there's not a damned thing I can do to reach into her world and straighten things out for her - so I just turn up and try to second guess things she might like to do and see. 

We might look through a magazine, occasionally we go swimming, other times she just wants to rest so I give her a foot-rub while she closes her eyes and listens to some beautiful music. Sometimes she looks just like 'real' Mum and we'll have a good belly laugh at something daft - she's still got a cheeky smile and actually, given half a chance, is quite a delightful flirt! Other times, it's like someone's hit 'tilt' and suddenly 'Mum" is nowhere to be seen.

I know Mum is lucky to have a family that cares about her; visits regularly; takes her out and makes sure she is well looked after - not all sufferers are so fortunate and I'd be lying if I said I didn't contemplate what things might be like if that weren't the case. I just want to do what I can to help and would really appreciate your support if you are able.

Thank you so much for reading this, please donate if you can.

Kate & Gwyneth x

Alzheimer’s Society is transforming the landscape of dementia forever. Until the day a cure is found, they will strive to create a society where those affected by dementia are supported and accepted, able to live in their community without fear or prejudice.

The following is taken from their website and explains how donations are used:

"Thanks to you, last year, our income increased from £103.6 million to £106.9 million. We spent 3% more on our work, meeting the needs of people affected by dementia, inspiring change and advancing research. Through our local services, your support directly helped over 100,000 people.

For every £1 of expenditure, 89p is spent on improving the lives of people with dementia. The remaining 11p is spent on supporting frontline activities."

"We are the only UK charity investing in research into dementia care, cause, cure and prevention. We’ve committed to spending £150 million on cutting-edge research over the next decade. 

Every project we fund directly addresses the needs and concerns of people affected by dementia. With your continued support, we will make even greater progress towards our vision of a world without dementia."