My dad was generally considered very physically fit, with his love of running, founding the local Running Club in the early 80's, helping him to participate in various races throughout the country, from the local Pudding Run (which I believe he founded), the Nottingham Robin Hood Half Marathon, all the way to the London Marathon on numerous occasions.

My Dad had worked in the community for many years and was a uniformed member of the Salvation Army where he ran the Sunday School and Youth Clubs.

His favourite sport was Chess, which he had played for nearly 80 years before his passing.

He was a long-time member of various chess clubs, and taught it in schools, privately at homes, and selecting the Junior teams to represent England.

He believed that challenging his mind would help him stave off dementia, which sadly took my nan, his mother, from us 24 years ago.

Unfortunately this cruel disease managed to take a hold of my father in these last few years, requiring him to need constant care in the end.

He'd forget many things from his past, and would repeatedly tell the same stories. He thankfully never forgot my mum, his wife, but did on one occasion think I was someone else.

In his final months he had become horribly thin and gaunt and quite literally a shell of his former self.

I wouldn't wish this disease on anyone.