We are collecting funds for the Alzheimer's Society who supports families affected by Alzheimer's disease and dementia. We are launching this appeal in memory of Dad - Philip John Darley - who died this month after 11 hard years suffering with both these cruel diseases.

Dad was diagnosed with semantic dementia first. He rapidly lost a lot of his ability to communicate, which for someone like Dad was the very essence of who he was. Several years later, other parts of his brain had started to deteriorate and he was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease too. Over the following years, Dad continued to disappear gradually into the mist of these diseases, so that by the time of his passing he was barely recognisable to us.

By 2025, 1 million people will be living with the condition in the UK, and many millions more carers, partners, families and friends are affected. Alzheimer’s Society is a vital source of support and a powerful force for change for everyone affected by dementia. Their funding provides research, campaigning and support for people with dementia and their families. Their information and support helped our family on several occasions to understand the condition and how best to support Dad and keep him safe, and to support Mum as his carer.