Leanne Wiseman

My reason why

Around eight years ago, my nan was diagnosed with dementia. The news was heartbreaking, but we have been incredibly blessed that the progression has been so slow. That doesn’t make it easy to watch, though.

My nan is the heart and soul of our family. She has taught me so much about life and has played such a huge part in shaping the person I am today. She is also a huge part of who my children are becoming, as I pass on to them the lessons she taught me, along with the values and traditions that have become such an important part of our family.

They are often the simplest things: cooking together, playing board games, singing and dancing in the kitchen, and keeping a home that is always clean, warm and welcoming to everyone. These are the things that make up our family, and so much of that comes from her.

One of the hardest things for so many people to come to terms with when it comes to dementia is that, sadly, you can begin to lose the person you love most, the person who is so precious and valuable to you, long before you physically lose them.

Thankfully, my nan still has so much of the person she has always been. She still shows her kindness, her love and her wonderful sense of humour, and for that we are so grateful. But it is still incredibly difficult to watch her become frustrated and confused by everyday tasks, and to gradually see her independence slip away.

Dementia is cruel in so many ways. It takes away little pieces of someone you love, while leaving you holding onto every precious part that remains. We cherish every moment, every smile, every laugh and every memory, and I feel so lucky that my children get to know the woman who has shaped so much of our family.

This charity helps to support everyone affected  and educates them all along the way.