Around 225,000 people develop dementia every year: that's the equivalent to one person every three minutes.

In 2013, shortly after her 50th birthday, my Mum was diagnosed with fronto-temporal dementia. Her diagnosis shook our family, but slowly we learned to adapt (as much as it's possible to) to the changes dementia brought with it, so that Mum could continue to live well and so we could continue to make happy memories together.

As her dementia progressed, I would often turn to Alzheimer's Society for information and guidance, for myself as well as Mum. It's difficult to express just how much that helped, and continues to do so after her death. 

I've been inspired by the dedicated support of people living with dementia and their families, be it through factsheets, guides and helplines, in local groups like Singing for the Brain sessions, or in funding vital research projects for cures and treatments. They also continue to destigmatize dementia, not least by encouraging and supporting those living with the disease to tell their own stories.

I'm taking part in the London Half Marathon Memory Walk 2019, in memory of my Mum, to raise money for Alzheimer's Society so that they can continue all of this fantastic work.

Thank you for reading my story and for any donation you are able to make for Alzheimer's Society.

Let's take on dementia together.