This is for our precious Mum and - Kay Griffiths. After she had spent many years living in we received the sad news that Nan had been diagnosed with Alzheimers and would be returning to the . I felt the sad irony that finally my much loved, but little known, would be returning and I'd still not have opportunity to get to know the person my Mum loved and cared for so deeply. Between the family we took care of her until the time came for her to go into specialist care - during this time, and despite the effects the disease had on her, we actually did see many flashes of the humour she had and her lightness of spirit. I'll never forget her telling me it was far too early for bedtime and attempting to remove her nightclothes in front of my amused boyfriend! Or her massive grin when we eventually found her after a long and stressful day of searching, sat in a very grand home of a very kind gentleman, with a cup of tea and a hot cross bun, declaring that this was where she now wanted to live!

 

But it isn't always like this - it is a hideous, wasteful disease that deserves far more acknowledgement than it currently receives. Alzheimers doesn't just affect the sufferer, the amount of love, dedication and care - and actually, most importantly, MONEY - that goes into looking after someone with Dementia is immense. It has a profound impact on all involved, which resonates and resounds long after the sufferer is gone.

 

The money we raise in this memorywalk will go directly to benefitting local support groups, local care homes, and local carers. Also, most vitally, it will go into further research into prevention and cure of this pernicious disease. Your help and support is truly appreciated.

 

For more information on alzheimers, please visit http://alzheimers.org.uk/site/index.php