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I am raising money for the Alzheimer's Society by swimming 1,500 kilometers

Ten years ago, my dad was diagnosed with vascular dementia.
At that time, I don’t think he or anyone in the family realised how debilitating and cruel this illness is. While we all got used to dad forgetting things or repeating himself, we were not prepared for the changes that occurred as his condition worsened. Small things like being able to make a cup of tea or to be able to identify coins, or to write his name demonstrated how parts of dad’s brain were no longer functioning. In his mind, the past was more familiar than the present as he increasingly struggled to understand what was going on around
him.

Feelings of isolation and loss of control were evident and frustration led to depression and unhappiness as he retreated into himself. Eventually the family were no longer able to care for him as the condition worsened and he needed 24-hour care. The Alzheimer's Society have provided help and support and have been amazing over time, with advisors visiting and attending meetings, and sometimes just offering comfort when family members were upset at what was happening.

As some of you may know I am a fanatical swimmer and at the start of this year I set myself a target of swimming 1,500 kilometers over the course of the year (just for the fun of it!). This is a daily average of 4 kilometers. I have been swimming this both indoors and outdoors and at this stage of the year this daily average is challenging! So, in order to keep motivated, I have decided to raise money for the Alzheimer's Society. Any contribution you can make, however small will be appreciated.

I will eat some cake when I have finished!