Kim & Dani’s Story

We are two sisters that LOVE to hike. Being out in nature and up in the mountains is what makes us most happy and we are also suckers for a challenge! Climbing Kilimanjaro has been a longstanding dream of Kim’s, and together, we have decided to turn that dream into reality!

Until a few weeks ago, we thought we would have to cancel our sibling adventure of a lifetime. Our dad was recently diagnosed with advanced vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s. Watching him deteriorate so rapidly has been shocking and heartbreaking in equal measure. In a matter of a few months we have watched our dad fail to recognise our mum, as well as his own house and village, struggle to walk, talk, eat and manage his personal care.

Our dad was always a big, strong, fearful guy and in such a short space of time, he has physically withered and become extremely fragile and vulnerable. He knows something is wrong with him and has repeatedly sobbed in our arms and told us he is scared and frightened. Dementia is such a cruel disease!

Following a tough 8 weeks in hospital, we have found dad a wonderful nursing home just a short distance from mum and he is settling in well. While this gives us, mum and our brother, Oliver, considerable comfort, we know tougher times are still to come.

Currently, there is no cure for dementia and yet the disease is the UK’s biggest cause of death. Surely, we cannot let this continue. Please help us raise money for research to help find a cure for this cruel and wicked disease. Every donation, no matter how big or small, will help our cause and keep us motivated as we climb the monster mountain that is Kilimanjaro!

An enormous thanks in advance on behalf of us two, our mum Paula and brother Oliver. Dad, we love you! This is for you! Every 3 minutes dementia steals a happily ever after. Research is our only chance of changing the ending for people affected by dementia.

More about our chosen charity…

We are the UK's leading dementia research charity. We exist for a cure.

Your donation helps our scientists and researchers find new ways to diagnose dementia, develop new treatments and find a cure for dementia.

Watch and share our new film: https://bit.ly/ARUKForACure