Sadly, our family has been affected by dementia. Mum has been suffering from this disease for some years now, and has rapidly deteriorated over the past few months. She is unable to recognise close family members, and has forgotten how to perform many simple everyday tasks.  Dad has been caring for her, but her condition is so advanced that he is unable to cope, and his own health has suffered as a result. 

Around 225,000 people develop dementia every year – that's the equivalent to one person every three minutes. This September and October Memory Walks will be taking place across England, Wales and Northern Ireland to raise money for a world without dementia. Arm in arm, step by step and pound by pound, we will get there. Once you donate, Just Giving will send your money directly to the Alzheimer's Society. So it's the most efficient way to raise money – saving time and cutting costs for the charity. Please dig deep and help us walk for a world without dementia.

We must find a way to treat this dreadful disease. My mum is alive, but does not know me, so I have already lost her. Let's find a cure so that future families do not have to know this sadness. 

Ruth xxx