Barbara Williams, the wonderful mum of Sian and I, passed away recently after a long battle with dementia.

Mum was always so strong-willed and independent, and it was awful to see that vitality slip away over the years along with the memories her family and friends. It was especially painful because we knew what to expect - Mum’s brother Barry, their mother Maud, and my dad’s mum Phyllis all suffered from the same illness. In fact dementia is now the UK’s biggest killer and one in three people born in the UK will go on to develop dementia in their lifetime.

Mum’s funeral is taking place at the end of July. Rather than flowers, Sian and I feel a better and more lasting tribute would be to support those who are working towards a world where dementia no longer devastates lives: as such I’ve set up this fundraising page for Alzheimer’s Society.

Alzheimer’s Society is the UK’s leading dementia charity. They provide vital support, fund groundbreaking research and campaign to make dementia a priority. We can’t end the devastation of dementia alone. It will take a society to beat dementia.