My Dad means a great deal to me and has played a huge part in my upbringing and shaping me to the person I am trying to be today. A kind, funny, hard-working and family-orientated man who has always had other people's well-being above his own whether this has been his family or his customers and colleagues at work. These are just a few of the aspects I feel I have learnt and try to demonstrate in life from him. And on a lesser note I also have him to thank for the daily frustrations of being an Arsenal fan.

Having survived a heart attack a number of years ago, my Dad and our family had the extremely difficult news around 4.5 years ago that he was suffering from dementia at the young age of just 63 years old. He had initially been suffering from amnesia for a few years before this at just 60 years old. A few years on and my Dad's memory worsens and he is more reliant on my Mum and those of us around him unable to truly enjoy his retirement in what should be his best years of freedom and life. Seeing this disease first-hand has been heart-breaking and extremely difficult for our family and friends to adapt to, especially losing the ability to confide and communicate fully with the person who truly inspires me and means the most to me in my life.  In short, it is a cruel and unfair disease I wouldn't wish upon anybody but certainly not somebody as good-hearted and genuine as my Dad.

My Dad has always been a hugely positive impact on me - probably a lot more so than he understands. This whole situation has truly made me realise that you never know what is around the corner and you have to make the most of the time you are given, just like my Dad certainly has and continues to do so with the support of my Mum. Personally, I have always wanted to embrace challenges and hiking Kilimanjaro has been on the bucket list as I know it will be a really physical challenge for me. However, if I can do this and raise some money alongside it for a local charity's dementia arm that helps people like my Dad and their families in Lincolnshire through these difficult times then that will push me that extra step for sure.  

Whilst this horrible disease is truly devastating at times I want to ensure the positive side of this story remains to be seen - my Dad has a huge legacy behind him and has truly made the most of every day he has had through his job, his family and his love for football, travel and challenges. Maybe I wouldn't be crazy enough to commit to these sort of things without the upbringing and positive pushing he has given me! Any support to help the dementia arm of the St Barnabas Hospice in Lincolnshire would mean a huge amount to people like my Dad and family so any donations would be greatly appreciated. I guess then I need to actually conquer a mountain! :-)

St Barnabas Hospice is a local independent charity and every year we support more than 10,500 people across Lincolnshire with a life limiting or terminal condition. We deliver free, high-quality, compassionate end-of-life care and support to patients, their families and carers. We aim to enable them to live as fully as they are able for however many days, weeks or months they have left.We are reliant on the financial support our community provides so that we can be there for more patients, their families and carers, every day of the year.