Mike Wood

“Why Run?”

In 2001 mum had a subarachnoid brain aneurysm and following 2 months in kings hospital London and recovery from life saving brain surgery via a clip inserted into her blood vessel to be the only option we were given and a 20% success at best and disability. Thank you Mr Strong (Surgeon). Hero.

A recovery over the years of social life to work and driving to enjoying her life together, She was such a blast and such a special lady never without a smile and laugh in every conversation!

In 2016 she decided to have a stroke.. More headaches literally & recovered with more strength but difficulties.

2020-2021 let’s just all forget that. (Ironic)!

In 2022 mum was diagnosed following very tricky times for dad & myself to understand to manage. She now has Mixed Dementia. Vascular affecting cognitive abilities and speech and Alzheimer’s. Essentially from severe decline & brain trauma & past any treatments to help now.

Here we are to the current day & what you all see in mums character now but just look at the Happy face and gIggle she always has on her own world bless her 😀

So… This is for Mum & particularly Dad & for anybody else in my friends and contacts who are living with and managing dementia as a family. 

“Memories fade but the love doesn’t, Names get misplaced but their souls don’t” ( A quote I read from a Dementia post).

Things got tough 2024 and I set my sights on dealing with it all personally by “Running” not away but exercising and so far:

1: 25k Ultra Trail September 2024 Raised £2400

2: 134k Advent Calendar Run 24 Days daily December 2024