Being a teenager/young woman, and watching one of the most important men in my life go through such a cruel illness is something I wouldn’t wish upon anyone. Sadly though so many people experience this with their loved ones.

We all have our own experiences of how the illness affected the ones we cared so deeply for. My family were grateful for the good days, the trips down memory lane days, and the days where we weren’t recognised- but our loved one was so pleased that we were there to see them.

How I would give anything to have my loved one here and not taken so early. To share all of my life’s achievements with him. So in memory of him, I am running for Alzheimer’s Society. To help raise much needed funds so that the people of tomorrow gain more of those precious years with their loved ones.

Derek, you will always be in my heart. Xx