Angela Heather

She was still going to the gym twice a week right up until lockdown (when she was 85!). She loved all animals but she was cray-cray for dogs! 

In fact, when she did move from her own home into a care home, I managed to organise a big final dog walk where friends, neighbours and all the locals who were familiar with her, all came along to surprise her. 
I made sure she was extra stocked up with her 'pigs in blankets' dog treats that day! People brought their dogs - some even borrowing a dog for the occasion! - some people brought flowers and baked goodies for us, and the BBC even covered the story. 

My Heather Grandma (paternal) also had vascular dementia, although she passed away during surgery before it could take her, and now, my darling Mum has the 'wee beastie'.   

This challenge has come at the perfect time for me for many reasons. 

(1)  I reeally need to move my butt more.   Seriously. 

My mental health / mood is SO much better when I get outside and walk.  I am someone who has no trouble doing things for other people, but am not always the best at making things happen for myself - so this challenge came right when I need it; i - the better weather and increased light has arrived and ii - this challenge gamifies it for me to keep my interest and motivation and gives me a reason to follow-through and make it happen. 

You best believe that as soon as the fundraising pack arrived, I popped that daily tracker chart up on my wall so that I can fill it in every day! :) 

(2) Obviously I am aware of the higher than average chance that I too carry this disease.  This illness sucks even when you do have a partner / children / loving family members, and I can't help but be aware that I only have my parents right now, and if I do have it, my parents will be gone by the time I begin showing symptoms. Even any family where multiple family members shared the caregiving tasks / days / weeks will tell you that it is mentally, physically, and emotionally depleting, so anything I can do to contribute to Dementia UK's support of families is precious to me. 

(3) I love having a sense of purpose & I am in a phase of my life where I am transferring that to myself (my biz, my life, my financial future), more than towards nurturing others, and so this is a fab side quest to support those strides forward! I love having this challenge to give me a purpose to each and every step I take (on top of my own fitness and health).  

There is not yet a cure for the various forms of dementia, so helplessness is a common theme 

- for the medical profession, 

- for the diagnosed, 

- and for families and loved ones.  

So here I am with a mission. A feeling of doing something to raise awareness and to hopefully raise funds too.

So this June, I stride forward with purpose. 

Please come follow along and walk by my side.

Angela xxx