Anisha Hussain

I'm walking 62 Miles in October

This October, I’ll be walking 62 miles (100km)  to raise awareness and funds for dementia support: a cause that is deeply personal to me and my family.

Alzheimer's is the most common cause of dementia, a general term for memory loss and other cognitive abilities serious enough to interfere with daily life. Alzheimer's disease accounts for 60-80% of dementia cases. Alzheimer's worsens over time, as it is a progressive disease, where dementia symptoms gradually worsen over a number of years. In its early stages, memory loss is mild, but with late-stage Alzheimer's, individuals lose the ability to carry on a conversation and respond to their environment.

My nan, Brenda, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s when I was still in secondary school. She was only in her 50s - far too young to be facing such a devastating illness. The first signs were small. She worked at the Co-op and began having memory issues, like forgetting to give customers their change. At first, they seemed like little mistakes, but over time we realised something more was happening.

As the years went by, we saw the impact Alzheimer’s had on her life. She slowly began to lose her memory, became more confused, and developed paranoia that made daily life even harder for her. It was heartbreaking to watch someone so full of life change in front of us. But through it all, she was still our nan - and we never let the illness define the love we had for her.

Nan was such a vibrant person. She loved cooking, knitting, colouring, doing jigsaws, and taking care of her garden and greenhouse. Those were the things that made her happiest, and they’re the things we still remember her by today. Despite Alzheimer’s taking so much, those memories of her hobbies, her warmth, and her personality are what live on with us.

Family meant everything to my nan, and we made sure she was never alone. We saw her every single day - either she would come to our house, or we would visit hers. As her condition progressed, we cared for her more and more, until eventually she became bed bound. Even then, she was surrounded by love. One thing I’ll forever appreciate is that she didn’t forget who we were. Something you’d never think you’d appreciate until you’re faced with that as a possibility.

In her final days in hospital in 2021, when she was no longer able to respond, I stayed overnight by her side. I kept talking to her, making jokes, and laughing like I always had, because deep down I knew she could still hear me. Even when Alzheimer’s had taken her voice, it couldn’t take away the bond we shared. She passed away at just 68 years old. Far too soon, but leaving us with a lifetime of memories to hold onto.

That’s why I’m taking on this challenge. I’m walking 62 miles in memory of my nan, for my family, and for all the families out there living through the same heartbreak. Every mile I walk is for her, and every donation, no matter how big or small, will help fund vital research, care, and support, so that one day no family has to go through what we did.

As a family we were lucky to have one another to lean on. My mum, who has been the rock and best friend, was amazing and to this day, her mum’s memory lives on. A living example of how my nan nurtured her with love, kindness and the biggest heart ever. My youngest brother was 4 when nan passed away, and the impact on him and his mental health has been profound. Not only was she our best friend, she was also his and he would see her daily. She was, and still is, a very precious lady, and the love for her is immeasurable.

Your support will make a tangible difference. An £10 donation can cover the telephone costs of two families seeking support through Dementia UK's free Helpline. £33 could fund an hour with a dementia specialist Admiral Nurse, helping a family with practical solutions and emotional support.

Thank you so much for supporting me on this journey. Your kindness means more than words can say💜