Leanne new

30 Miles for My Mum ❤️

This September, I’m walking 30 miles to raise money for Dementia UK. 🚶🏻‍♀️❤️

And I’m doing it for my mum. 🥺

My mum was originally diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s, but as things have progressed, we now know that she is living with dementia.

Whatever name we put on it, to me she is still simply Mum. ❤️

Watching someone you love change because of dementia is something I don’t think you can ever truly prepare yourself for.

I’ve watched my mum become more anxious and confused. I’ve watched things that once seemed so simple become difficult for her. I’ve seen her struggle with things like knowing what time it is, and I’ve seen how much that can affect her confidence and independence. 🥺

And then there are those moments when I look at her and I see my mum exactly as I’ve always known her.

Those moments mean everything. ❤️

Because dementia doesn’t just affect the person who receives the diagnosis. It affects the whole family.

It changes relationships. It brings worry, frustration, fear and sadness. And sometimes, as a daughter, you find yourself grieving little pieces of someone you love while they are still right there in front of you. 💔

I’ve found that incredibly hard.

I’ve been scared for her. I’ve been angry. I’ve cried. I’ve worried about what the future might look like.

But underneath all of that is something much stronger — love. ❤️

Because no matter how complicated life gets, she is my mum.

And recently, something has happened that means more to me than I can put into words.

Mum has moved into a new home, and she’s started letting me help her with things again. She’s trusted me with some of the practical things she needs, and she’s allowed me to be there for her in a different way. 🥹❤️

I’m incredibly grateful for that.

Because dementia has taught me something I wish I didn’t have to learn — we don’t get unlimited time with the people we love.

So this September, I’m giving 30 miles of my time to my mum. 🚶🏻‍♀️❤️

30 miles for her.

30 miles for every person living with dementia.

30 miles for every daughter, son, husband, wife, partner, friend and family member trying to navigate this illness alongside someone they love. 🫶🏻

I’m walking because people living with dementia deserve the best possible support.

I’m walking because families shouldn’t have to feel alone.

And I’m walking because my mum deserves to know that whatever changes dementia brings, she is loved. ❤️

If you can donate, even a small amount, I would be incredibly grateful. Every single pound will help Dementia UK continue supporting families like ours. 💜

And if you can’t donate, that’s absolutely okay — sharing my fundraising page would mean just as much. 🫶🏻

This isn’t just a fundraising challenge for me.

It’s 30 miles for my mum.

For the woman who will always be my mum, whatever dementia takes away. ❤️🥺

Let’s walk for Mum. ❤️🚶🏻‍♀️