My Dad, Dementia, and Why I’m Taking on the Windsor Ultra Challenge

This year, for my 50th birthday, I wanted to do something that felt meaningful, something that challenged me physically, but also honours someone very special in my life.

So I’ve signed up for the Windsor Ultra Challenge 10K to raise money for Dementia UK.

I’ll be doing the challenge alongside my son Ben, my dad’s grandson, and together we’re running in support of my dad, Michael, and the millions of families whose lives have been touched by dementia.

My dad was diagnosed with vascular dementia in the summer of 2016.

One of the hardest things about dementia is how suddenly life can change. In my dad’s case, he lost his short-term memory almost overnight after a series of mini strokes. Watching someone you love gradually decline, watching pieces of their independence and memory slip away, is incredibly painful.

But if there’s one thing dementia hasn’t taken from my dad, it’s his humour and spirit.

That’s still very much there.

Over the past year, our family has even found moments of light through it all. My brother has been sharing parts of Dad’s journey on Instagram and TikTok through the account Mick’s Dementia, showing not just the difficult moments, but also the humour, warmth and humanity that still exist within this condition.

Because behind every dementia diagnosis is still a person, a personality, a lifetime of memories and a family who loves them.

Dementia affects around one million people in the UK, and that number is expected to rise to 1.4 million by 2040.

But dementia doesn’t just affect the person diagnosed, it affects entire families.

The emotional toll, the practical challenges, the worry, the adjustments to everyday life… it’s a journey that so many families are navigating, often quietly and behind closed doors.

Over the past 10 years, our family has experienced just how hard that journey can be.

Thankfully, we’re a strong and supportive family unit, and we face it together.

That’s why raising money for Dementia UK feels so important.

Dementia UK funds Admiral Nurses, specialist dementia nurses who provide expert support, guidance and reassurance to families navigating this incredibly complex condition. Their work helps families feel less alone during one of the most difficult experiences they may ever face.

So this challenge is for my dad. Windsor is my dad’s home town, so doing this event in Windsor feels extra special.

It’s for every family currently caring for someone with dementia.

And it’s for the future, so that more families can access the support they need.

If you’re able to support us, any donation would mean so much.

Thank you for helping us raise awareness, raise funds, and show families living with dementia that they are not alone.

With our love and gratitude,

Mel, Ben, and Mick

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