Story
Stuart Delves, 32. Working as a trainee ACP (Advanced Clinical Practitioner) for the NHS, finishing my masters in advanced clinical practice. Grew up and trained in Hull, now living in North Lincolnshire. Working in Lincolnshire, Hull and surrounding areas.
To some degree I’ve worked with patients who are living with dementia throughout my career. Before I qualified as a staff nurse, I gained experience by working in a care home for people who were living with dementia. I saw early on what effect dementia has on people's lives and their families. As my career progressed I’ve never forgotten the impact dementia has, both on the individual and their wider family. In some way or another dementia touches most of our lives; or will at some point in the future.
The pandemic has made it so much more difficult for people who have dementia, daily routines have been turned upside down, support networks have been lost. The work that Alzheimer’s UK is doing is more important than ever. One of the Alzheimer's Society principles is that “people with dementia can still live well” and that really resonates with me, we shouldn’t just accept that a diagnosis of dementia is the end- or that it means that person can no longer have a meaningful and enjoyable life. But that’s not to say that it is easy, it takes hard work and specialist support- which is exactly why I’m supporting the Alzheimer's Society.
So far I’ve been training for the marathon with my friend and eldest son who is 10 years old. He was keen to do the event with us but is unfortunately not old enough to sign up. That did not stop him completing 20miles with us last weekend. He’s still helping us raise money, and puts us to shame when we are training.
I’d like to raise as much money as possible for the Alzheimer's Society, but I get that lots of people have seen financial stress because of the pandemic. I’ve paid the entry fee for the event, so every penny I raise is going straight to the charity. I’ve set a goal of £300 but I’d love to smash it.
What’s next? Maybe Snowdon or Ben Nevis, my son is expecting Mount Kilimanjaro or Mount Everest, but I think that’s a little excessive, for now!
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