In 2013, Joy Cooke (Mum to Frances and Grandma to Nadz) developed an extremely aggressive form of dementia. Within a few months, she had forgotten who we were. She was doubly incontinent and confined to a wheelchair. Her husband Frank Cooke (Dad to Frances and Grandpa to Nadz) cared for her devotedly for a year, but it became too much for him and she had to move into full-time residential care. From then on, Frank built his life around visiting Joy, and Frances built her life around supporting both Frank and Joy.

Although Joy was happy in the care home, she never recovered her memory and her condition continued to deteriorate. She died in May 2017.

The photo at the top of this page is of Joy with Frances and her younger brother Simon. It was taken by Frank. Frances found it in his wallet after his death in 2018.

Dementia is a living death. Joy lived, physically, but the Mum and Grandma we had known was gone. Her passing, when it came, brought closure. But the grief will always remain.

We desperately need to find a cure for this terrible illness that destroys lives and tears families apart.

Last year, in memory of Frank and Joy, Frances did Trek 26 in the Lake District by herself, raising over £2,000 for Alzheimer's Society.

This year, Frances and Nadz are doing Trek 26 in the Lake District together. We hope to raise even more money for Alzheimer's Society. Will you support us?