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

Mum/Nana Wales (Mags) was sadly diagnosed with dementia in 2019. It was a big shock to the whole family and we all quickly noticed a big change. Prior to her diagnosis, Mum would have been a great candidate for a BT advert. She always felt it was "good to talk," so much so that whenever my brother, Andy or I called, Dad (Mike) always joked that we could have an "oxymoron"with mum aka "a quick chat."  All of a sudden we noticed Dad, who usually said "I'll get all the news from Mum", suddenly did most of the talking and Mum said very little. 

Prior to the actual diagnosis, the first thing I noticed was when we were on one of our annual family holidays. Mum always used to read numerous books, lying by the pool during the fortnight away. But in May 2019, the last family holiday prior to her diagnisis, I noticed no matter how long she lay in the sun reading, she never seemed to get past page 55 of her book. I kept checking but every day - page 55. 

After that holiday, Coronavirus struck and we have all missed so much time with Mum/Nana. Time during which she has obviously deteriorated further. Dad is and always has been amazing and has protected everyone from the reality of her deterioration, whilst having to keep the grief of loss he must be feeling to himself. 

Mum and Dad always loved walking. Something which they have been unable to do more and more as Mum's mobility has deteriorated. As a result when Andy and I saw the challenge of walking 26 miles in aid of dementia we knew we had to do it.  Not least to raise money for Dementia and our Mum but also to give our Dad the "break" he most definitely deserves. Doing the thing he loves most - walking for the person he loves most - Mum and at the same time raising money to help others!

Dad, Andy, my husband Jonny and I will all be walking together hoping to raise as much money as possible to go towards dementia research!  Please donate to this great cause to hopefully find a cure or at least a way to slow down this most cruel disease!

Thanks for reading xxx