My family and I, on both my Mum and Dad's sides, have been deeply impacted by Dementia diagnoses of our loved ones. 

In December 2019 we lost my Uncle Steve - my Dad's sister's husband - after he had lived with frontal temporary lobe dementia with PFA for 13 years. My darling Auntie Jacqui (AJ to me!) is one of the strongest people I know, having cared for and loved her gorgeous husband through the toughest times. She is such an inspiration!

In December 2020 my Grandad, Mum's Dad, was then diagnosed with both Vascular dementia and dementia with Lewy Bodies. He has really good weeks, but he also has some really difficult weeks with major confusion, losing his balance, and tiredness. We all rally around to support Grandma during these times, as it's exhausting for her, too. In August last year, Grandad toppled over in the garden and shattered his knee. Being in hospital for two months, we saw a decline in his health and we were very worried - all we wanted was for him to come home to his comforts! He's recovered incredibly well, and his spirits are now back up. We're so so proud of how he copes living with dementia! He just had his 86th birthday, he's a very determined man, and he can't wait for the Summer to go fishing with his best mate again! 

I'm taking on this challenge to walk 13 miles with my Auntie Carole and cousins Mel and Jade, for our determined Grandad, and for my late Uncle Steve, and for everyone else affected by dementia, to raise awareness and funding for Alzheimer’s Society. They are working towards a world where dementia no longer devastates lives. They do this by giving help to those living with dementia today and by providing hope for the future by campaigning to make dementia the priority it should be and funding ground-breaking research. 

Thank you for sponsoring me! Together we can be help and hope to everyone affected by dementia. 

Now to start training with some long walks!