Lauren OConnell

Nanny Pat 🩷

This swim is for my beautiful Nan — Nanny Pat.

She was the heart of our family, the one who held us all together with love and laughter. Family meant everything to her, and she made sure we all felt it — whether it was through a bowl of stew, a warm hug, or Saturday with all of us driving her mad memories that still make me smile.

When dementia entered her life, it slowly started to take away the little pieces of the woman we all adored. Watching that happen was heartbreaking, but through it all, one thing never changed — her love for us, and our love for her.

So I’m taking on a charity swim in memory of my Nan, to raise awareness and funds for Dementia UK, a charity that supports families going through what we did. Every stroke I take in the water will be for her — for all the moments she gave us, for every laugh, every story, and every memory that will never fade.

Dementia might have taken her mind, but it will never take her spirit. She’s still with me in every ripple, every wave, every breath.

This swim isn’t just about raising money — it’s about keeping her memory alive and helping other families find the support they need.

For you, Nanny Pat — with love, always. 🩷