Kyle

For Grandad!

This October, Ted and I will be dragging my slightly lazy, definitely-out-of-shape self across (at least) 62 miles to raise money for Dementia UK – in honour of my Grandad.

Growing up, Grandad was my hero. 

Whilst Mum & Dad were working, Gran and Grandad helped raise me. Grandad taught me the little things that turned out to be big things: how to shine my shoes, look after tools, that manners cost nothing, and that washing the dishes while dancing to the radio makes life better. 

He would always buy two copies of the same book so we could read bedtime stories together. (The Wind and The Willows was our favourite.) 

He was, and still is a true gentleman.

Now, dementia is part of his life, and this is my way of giving something back to him, and to all the families going through this.

Grandad has now moved out of his home where he has lived with my Gran for over 50 years and now lives with my parents.

To give you an idea of what dementia is like: recently, we went on a car journey together with Frank Sinatra playing (one of his favourites.) During that short trip, we had the exact same conversation 18 times. Each time, Grandad turned to me (as if I was his taxi driver) and explained how he thought the music would be rubbish, but was pleasantly surprised. And each time, he lit up with excitement all over again as the next Sinatra track came on.

It was funny, heartbreaking, and heartwarming all at once – and it really shows what dementia can do, and this is just the tip of the Iceberg. 

It might not be a marathon, or something huge, but I’ll be honest, this won’t be easy and I’ll likely struggle. (Ted might too as he’s only a baby!) 

I’ve got (extremely) lazy in recent years, carrying (quite a lot) more weight than I should, and my idea of “exercise” is usually opening the fridge. But every blister and every mile will be worth it for him. 💙

If you can spare a donation, no matter how small, it would mean the world – and maybe keep me stocked up on plasters, too. 😂