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My Dad, Alan, was only 67 when he died from complications associated with young onset Alzheimer's. Dad was a funny, vibrant and mighty man with a huge sense of adventure and a deep love of his family. He was the Dad that everyone wished was theirs.

Dad was in his mid 50's when we began to notice changes in his speech and behaviour. Always someone who could easily take charge, he started to doubt himself, became anxious and was increasingly confused by paperwork and the household finances. He struggled to find words and eventually had very little language. He struggled to hang pictures, to remember the order of things (from making a coffee to getting dressed in the morning) and to participate in conversation.

Dad found it very difficult to come to terms with the symptoms of his dementia. He and my mum still had a very full and exciting life, and he was angry and frustrated that increasingly he just couldn't keep up. The fun and adventure-packed early retirement he had planned with my Mum did not happen. Over time, Mum also retired and became Dad's full time carer. In my opinion, this is the very hardest job in the world and one she did with huge bravery and grace.

Dad's dementia affected our whole family. For years, we lived on high alert, always fearful of what was coming next. With very little help on offer, we muddled through but it took it's toll on all of us.

Dad's dementia remained undiagnosed for many years, despite the fact that his speech and day-to-day functioning were significantly impacted. As a family, we were definitely in denial at first and this slowed a diagnosis down, but the healthcare professionals we interacted with also seemed to be in denial. They just didn't recognise the signs of dementia in a younger person (it's not just about memory!) and didn't seem open to the idea that this is what Dad was dealing with.

Young onset dementia isn't the norm, yet it affects over 70,800 people across the UK. These families need our help. Dementia UK's Admiral Nurses help people living with dementia and their families to access diagnosis and support. They are a helping hand to support families when they are at their most vulnerable and feel they have nowhere to turn. They are trained in young onset dementia, and understand the complexities of living with dementia in mid-life.

There wasn't an Admiral Nurse in our area when we were trying to manage life with dementia, now I am passionate about raising money so that every area of the UK has an Admiral Nurse. Please help me to help make this a reality.