As most people are aware by now my dad John was diagnosed with Alzheimers disease in January 2011, age 57. 2017 was by far the most difficult year for us as a family. My dad was sectioned in March 2017, and spent the rest of 2017 in the mental health unit at Bro Cerwyn, Haverfordwest - St Non’s ward. In January this year he was finally moved to an appropriate carehome which can fully cater for his needs and give him the best care possible.

My mum, dad and their friends are known as “the gang”. “The gang” is made up of 5 couples who have been friends for years and they have been going on group holidays since I can remember! So... out of these 5 couples, my dad was diagnosed with Alzheimers in 2011, and Helen (nickname ’Evs’) was diagnosed with vascular dementia in 2016. What are the chances?! In June 2016, a few couples from the gang went on holiday to Portugal. Fast forward 6 months and Evs was sectioned, fast forward another 3 months and my dad was sectioned. So in the space of 9 months my dad and Evs went from being on holiday in Portugal to both being in the same mental health unit. Sadly Evs lost her battle with dementia in April this year.

Now I know everyone will say life is too short and you never know what is around the corner but I couldnt agree more with both statements. We dont know what life holds or what the future will bring so I believe it is important to live by my favourite motto - YOLO! (You Only Live Once to those who didnt know) and treasure every day!

I’ll be running the Cardiff Half Marathon in October, initially I entered for fun but after thinking about what’s happened in recent months, I have decided to raise money for St Non’s ward! They gave both my dad and Evs the best care during their time there and all of the staff are nothing other than superstars! All donations will be given to the ward for them to spend on whatever they require. :)