Dementia Support Line
My dad, Peter, was diagnosed with dementia in 2008...
I have helped with a memory cafe for those suffering with Alzheimer's for the past 10 years. Eight years ago my dad started forgetting small things, even getting a bit...
I’m running this half marathon because Alzheimer’s isn’t something I’ve just heard about it’s something my family is living with.
My father-in-law has...
I’m running the Ultra Marathon (50 miles) in memory...
My Big Half Story
On the morning of The Big Half,...
Next Monday, 2nd March I make the 11 hour journey...
I sadly lost my nan to Alzheimers in 2020. It was heartbreaking to see her go from a lovely woman with the kindest heart, who would do anything for anyone to someone...
This story is about my nan plus the whole family. the...
Dementia has deeply affected both of our families....
My nan Elizebeth or “mama” as we call her, has...
A close friend of mine is currently facing the...
My aunt Jean, the loveliest kindest person, has dementia, and currently lives in a care home. My late mum also had dementia. I am keen to raise as much money as...
My dad, Peter, was diagnosed with dementia in 2008 and is now at a very advanced stage of the illness. Over the last 18 years, it has been incredibly challenging to witness this cruel disease dismantling his personality piece by piece, gradually taking away all the things that made him who he was, leaving behind a frail shell of the person he used to be. I’m running the LLHM to raise money to help other families and loved ones going through the same painful experience, as the support provided by AS is a lifeline.
Leonie
I have helped with a memory cafe for those suffering with Alzheimer's for the past 10 years. Eight years ago my dad started forgetting small things, even getting a bit confused.
I went along to the Doctors with him and they diagnosed stress and depression from losing so many of his close friends in a short period of time, along with a severe water infection. This went on for several months, eventually a locum Dr checked my Dad over and sent him for a brain scan for his memory loss. We were told previously that my dad was struggling with his mental health and constant water infections that memory issues weren't the issue, this locum thought otherwise. my Dad had onset of Alzheimers, unfortunately, as both his Dad and brother had Alzheimers its the only thing he never wanted to get, so we tell him he has short term memory loss, his happy with that, and 8 years later he is living in a care home, surrounded by loving, caring people and we get to spend quality time with him everyday. he is extremely fit and healthy, enjoying gardening, DIY, days out with his family and friends and being taken for his daily drive in the car.
His memory loss is deteriorating albeit slowly, he is happy and secure in the knowledge that even though he sometimes forgets things he has done 5 minutes before, he can remember his army number and all his friends names that he grew up with.
What's nice for us is that he still remembers who we are, although does get confused with his Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren's names on occasions, but who doesn't?
My Dad has always been there for us 100% and now its our turn to be there for him, whether its taking him for drives in the country, helping him remember names or just sitting listening to him reminisce. He is still that kind caring man that brought us up and nothing was ever too much trouble for him. we are so lucky we still have him here with us, making jokes and helping us out when he can
I went along to the Doctors with him and they diagnosed stress and depression from losing so many of his close friends in a short period of time, along with a severe water infection. This went on for several months, eventually a locum Dr checked my Dad over and sent him for a brain scan for his memory loss. We were told previously that my dad was struggling with his mental health and constant water infections that memory issues weren't the issue, this locum thought otherwise. my Dad had onset of Alzheimers, unfortunately, as both his Dad and brother had Alzheimers its the only thing he never wanted to get, so we tell him he has short term memory loss, his happy with that, and 8 years later he is living in a care home, surrounded by loving, caring people and we get to spend quality time with him everyday. he is extremely fit and healthy, enjoying gardening, DIY, days out with his family and friends and being taken for his daily drive in the car.
His memory loss is deteriorating albeit slowly, he is happy and secure in the knowledge that even though he sometimes forgets things he has done 5 minutes before, he can remember his army number and all his friends names that he grew up with.
What's nice for us is that he still remembers who we are, although does get confused with his Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren's names on occasions, but who doesn't?
My Dad has always been there for us 100% and now its our turn to be there for him, whether its taking him for drives in the country, helping him remember names or just sitting listening to him reminisce. He is still that kind caring man that brought us up and nothing was ever too much trouble for him. we are so lucky we still have him here with us, making jokes and helping us out when he can
lisa
I’m running this half marathon because Alzheimer’s isn’t something I’ve just heard about it’s something my family is living with.
My father-in-law has Alzheimer’s. He’s still very much himself and fully aware, which makes me even more determined to act now, not later. My mum’s partner is also living with it and is now in a care home. When you see the impact up close, you understand how cruel and unpredictable this disease is not just for the person diagnosed, but for everyone around them.
But this isn’t about doom and gloom. It’s about doing something positive while we still can.
This won’t actually be my first half marathon. I’ve done one before. But over the last few years I went through some difficult times, got myself into a rut, and fell into bad habits binge eating, drinking too much, and generally not looking after myself. The weight piled on.
Six months ago, I was 24 stone 10 pounds.
Since then, I’ve lost nearly 10 stone. Not through anything extreme just consistency, discipline, and deciding enough was enough. What started as taking control of my own health has turned into something much bigger.
Now I’m back where I belong training, focused, and using this challenge for something that genuinely matters.
The Alzheimer’s Society funds vital research, supports families, and helps people live with dignity for as long as possible. If pushing myself physically can raise funds and awareness for that work, then every mile on 3rd May will mean more than just a finish time.
This is about resilience. It’s about getting back up. And it’s about standing up for the people we love.
My father-in-law has Alzheimer’s. He’s still very much himself and fully aware, which makes me even more determined to act now, not later. My mum’s partner is also living with it and is now in a care home. When you see the impact up close, you understand how cruel and unpredictable this disease is not just for the person diagnosed, but for everyone around them.
But this isn’t about doom and gloom. It’s about doing something positive while we still can.
This won’t actually be my first half marathon. I’ve done one before. But over the last few years I went through some difficult times, got myself into a rut, and fell into bad habits binge eating, drinking too much, and generally not looking after myself. The weight piled on.
Six months ago, I was 24 stone 10 pounds.
Since then, I’ve lost nearly 10 stone. Not through anything extreme just consistency, discipline, and deciding enough was enough. What started as taking control of my own health has turned into something much bigger.
Now I’m back where I belong training, focused, and using this challenge for something that genuinely matters.
The Alzheimer’s Society funds vital research, supports families, and helps people live with dignity for as long as possible. If pushing myself physically can raise funds and awareness for that work, then every mile on 3rd May will mean more than just a finish time.
This is about resilience. It’s about getting back up. And it’s about standing up for the people we love.
Matt
I’m running the Ultra Marathon (50 miles) in memory of my dad. He sadly passed away 12 months ago so I decided to try and raise some funds for the charity.
Paul
My Big Half Story
On the morning of The Big Half, I’ll stand at the start line at Tower Bridge, knowing I’m not just about to run 13.1 miles to Greenwich Park.
I’m running towards the strongest version of myself.
I’m a mum of two and a nursing student, rebuilding my life in steady, determined steps. Training for this race hasn’t just been about fitness. It’s been about discipline. About keeping promises to myself. About proving that I can start something and see it through.
There were times in my life where I felt stuck. Doubt crept in. Exhaustion hit hard. But running is honest. It doesn’t care about yesterday’s mistakes or tomorrow’s fears. It asks one thing: take the next step.
Every early morning run has been a quiet decision to grow.
Every mile has reminded me that resilience isn’t loud. It’s consistent.
I want my children to see that strength doesn’t mean never struggling. It means getting up anyway. Moving anyway. Believing anyway.
When I cross that finish line, I already know how it will unfold.
First, the tears. Relief and pride mixing together.
Then my arms in the air, because I did it.
And finally, the hug. The tight, grounding hug that says: we did this.
This race isn’t just about a medal.
It’s about momentum.
It’s about health.
It’s about stepping fully into the next chapter of my life.
And when I finish, I won’t just have completed 13.1 miles.
I’ll have proved to myself that I don’t stay down.
On the morning of The Big Half, I’ll stand at the start line at Tower Bridge, knowing I’m not just about to run 13.1 miles to Greenwich Park.
I’m running towards the strongest version of myself.
I’m a mum of two and a nursing student, rebuilding my life in steady, determined steps. Training for this race hasn’t just been about fitness. It’s been about discipline. About keeping promises to myself. About proving that I can start something and see it through.
There were times in my life where I felt stuck. Doubt crept in. Exhaustion hit hard. But running is honest. It doesn’t care about yesterday’s mistakes or tomorrow’s fears. It asks one thing: take the next step.
Every early morning run has been a quiet decision to grow.
Every mile has reminded me that resilience isn’t loud. It’s consistent.
I want my children to see that strength doesn’t mean never struggling. It means getting up anyway. Moving anyway. Believing anyway.
When I cross that finish line, I already know how it will unfold.
First, the tears. Relief and pride mixing together.
Then my arms in the air, because I did it.
And finally, the hug. The tight, grounding hug that says: we did this.
This race isn’t just about a medal.
It’s about momentum.
It’s about health.
It’s about stepping fully into the next chapter of my life.
And when I finish, I won’t just have completed 13.1 miles.
I’ll have proved to myself that I don’t stay down.
Aimee
Next Monday, 2nd March I make the 11 hour journey down to by Land's End, ready to start my 1,111 mile trek to John O'Groats by foot raising money for Alzheimer's Research. Dave, my dad-in-law passed at the end of December and this trek is dedicated to his memory and I'll be listening to Terry Pratchett's Discworld all the way who we also lost to what he called "the embuggerance" far too early & missed by so many.
Mike
I sadly lost my nan to Alzheimers in 2020. It was heartbreaking to see her go from a lovely woman with the kindest heart, who would do anything for anyone to someone who had no idea who was who and what was what. She absolutely loved her family, being her only granddaughter I used to love seeing her face light up when I walked into the room and that was taken from her in an instant because if the Alzheimers. This was truly heartbreaking to see as she completely lost herself and became a lifeless soul. Im fundraising to help support those suffering with Alzheimers in order to help prolong their memory and life but to also help those family members and friends who experience this decline 1st hand and see their loved ones fade away.
Emma
This story is about my nan plus the whole family. the main thing is seeing my grandad become a silent anchor, spending his days patiently navigating the same repeated questions and keeping her safe with a steady, heartbreaking devotion. Meanwhile, my mum balances the exhausting physical demands of caregiving with the emotional weight of losing her own mother one forgotten memory at a time. This plus the fact everyone has a different way of dealing with this plus the sadness of a very sad to end of life for my grandmother is the main reason I have chosen to fundraise. I personally believe no one should have to go through this and if i could do anything to change this i would. The main things here is how we all support each other even with such an illness being present in my grandads life, plus her daughters.
I have attatched a photo of my grandad and my grandma as I feel thats the most appropriate.
I have attatched a photo of my grandad and my grandma as I feel thats the most appropriate.
Will
Dementia has deeply affected both of our families. Ryan’s grandparents both lived with dementia, and Eva’s two grandmothers also experienced the condition. Watching loved ones lose their memories, independence, and sense of self is heartbreaking, and it impacts entire families.
That’s why we’re taking on Three Summits for Alzheimer’s — climbing three Scottish hills in June to raise money and awareness for Alzheimer’s Society. Every step we take is for our grandparents, for families facing dementia today, and for those who may face it in the future.
That’s why we’re taking on Three Summits for Alzheimer’s — climbing three Scottish hills in June to raise money and awareness for Alzheimer’s Society. Every step we take is for our grandparents, for families facing dementia today, and for those who may face it in the future.
Eva
My nan Elizebeth or “mama” as we call her, has Alzheimer’s ,and watching her change over time has been both heartbreaking and eye-opening. She is from Liverpool , and for 50+ years was a school teacher. She was always the centre of our family alongside our grandad- warm, funny, as well as fiercely Scouse (and proud of it). Now, dementia has slowly changed her into an unrecognisable person.
She is often very, very anxious and confused and often does not recognise me or my youngest sister lucia. There are moments when she looks at us with uncertainty and asks who we are and why we are there, as though we are strangers in our own home. It is painful and hurtful sometimes. She also often believes my dad, who is now 50 years old, is still a young schoolboy. She asks if he has done his homework or wonders why he isn’t home from school yet. It feels like she is living in a different time, one that feels very real to her. Almost like in her own little bubble.
One of the hardest parts has been her wandering. She frequently goes out late at night for various reasons like needing to go to church thinking it is midday, and becomes lost, which is frightening for all of us. We worry constantly about her safety, especially in the darker, colder hours.
As a paramedic, i frequently see the horrific effects dementia can have on lots of people as well as families. I am doing a charity swim in support of Dementia UK because I want to turn the sadness and extreme helplessness we sometimes feel into something positive. I want to raise awareness of how devastating dementia can be for families like ours, and to help fund the incredible support that families so desperately need. If sharing our story and pushing myself physically can make even a small difference, then it will mean so much and i would do it 100 times over
She is often very, very anxious and confused and often does not recognise me or my youngest sister lucia. There are moments when she looks at us with uncertainty and asks who we are and why we are there, as though we are strangers in our own home. It is painful and hurtful sometimes. She also often believes my dad, who is now 50 years old, is still a young schoolboy. She asks if he has done his homework or wonders why he isn’t home from school yet. It feels like she is living in a different time, one that feels very real to her. Almost like in her own little bubble.
One of the hardest parts has been her wandering. She frequently goes out late at night for various reasons like needing to go to church thinking it is midday, and becomes lost, which is frightening for all of us. We worry constantly about her safety, especially in the darker, colder hours.
As a paramedic, i frequently see the horrific effects dementia can have on lots of people as well as families. I am doing a charity swim in support of Dementia UK because I want to turn the sadness and extreme helplessness we sometimes feel into something positive. I want to raise awareness of how devastating dementia can be for families like ours, and to help fund the incredible support that families so desperately need. If sharing our story and pushing myself physically can make even a small difference, then it will mean so much and i would do it 100 times over
Amy
A close friend of mine is currently facing the difficult reality of her father’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis, and I wanted to show my support in a meaningful way. Running this half marathon and raising funds for Alzheimer’s research is my way of honouring both her strength and her father’s journey. Through her experience, I’ve learned a great deal about this illness and the profound impact it has not only on those living with it, but also on the families who support them every day.
Sam
My aunt Jean, the loveliest kindest person, has dementia, and currently lives in a care home. My late mum also had dementia. I am keen to raise as much money as possible, to run 🏃 with my daughter, to support Alzheimer’s Society.
Tom
Share your story
However you’ve been affected by dementia, this is a place for you to share your story with other people who get it.