All of us have heard of Alzheimer's disease, a leading cause of dementia.

Many of us have listened to the stories of friends or colleagues who have experienced the devastating effects of this disease on a parent or loved one. However, you only really appreciate how destructive it is when you experience it first-hand when it affects someone very close to you.

My Aunt, Rosemary, played a key role in my childhood and was deeply loved by all of us as children, spending time with us while our parents were posted overseas for lengthy periods of time. 

She was well travelled, lively, intelligent, and had a wickedly dry sense of humour.  She had a strong Christian faith and was very involved in her local Church as well as supporting various overseas missions, particularly in Africa.  She loved dogs, was a keen walker, and was fit healthy and happy working up until her retirement at age 60.

Then a few years ago her behaviour changed. She became secretive, stopped visiting us, and stopped us going to visit her. When we tried to collect her she refused to meet us at her home and then did not turn up at designated appointments. 

Finally, one day we turned up unannounced to understand what was happening. When we arrived, it was obvious that something was deeply wrong.  

Many of you will relate to the painful journey which we then had to undertake. Medical assessments, the organisation of home care, hospital treatments and finally transferring her into full time care. 

Although she is now well cared for, her memory has continued to deteriorate and her physical health along with it.  She can no longer walk on her own and is totally dependent on her wonderful carers to do everything for her. She can no longer remember the faith which was such an important part of her life and incidents from the past become part of her present as her mind roams without focus.

My motivation to do this walk comes from knowing Rosemary and grieving for the woman she was.  I hope you will feel able to make a donation to support me in my endeavour in the knowledge that together we can contribute something towards better understanding and treatment of this terrible condition. 

Thank you for reading my story.

Michele x