Paige Parkinson

Thank you all so much ❤️

Why I’m doing this… 💛

For those who don’t know, at the beginning of this year, my mum was diagnosed with dementia at just 59 years old. ❤️

It’s something I don’t speak about very often. If I’m completely truthful, I think I sometimes bury my head in the sand as a way of protecting myself from the reality of what is happening. But as things continue to deteriorate, it’s becoming harder to do that.

In the space of around 12 months, Mum has gone from living a normal, free and independent life to now being unable to mentally get herself out of the house, unable to cook for herself and needing carers to visit several times a day.

It has been an adjustment for all of us as a family, but especially for my older sister, who has taken on the main responsibility for Mum’s care. Watching somebody you love change in front of you, while trying to adapt to a completely new version of everyday life, is something I don’t think you can truly understand until you experience it.

Dementia is cruel. It doesn’t discriminate, and it certainly isn’t something that only affects elderly people. Around one million people in the UK are living with dementia, and although it’s more common in older people, younger people can and do develop it too.

There is currently no cure for dementia. As a family, you find yourself learning to adapt, accepting changes you never imagined you would have to accept, and trying to make the best of a situation none of you ever asked to be in.

That’s why I’ve decided to do this for Dementia UK, a charity that has suddenly become incredibly close to my heart. Dementia UK provides specialist dementia nurses, known as Admiral Nurses, who support people living with dementia and their families through what can be some of the most difficult and overwhelming times of their lives.

If you can donate, even just £1, I would be so incredibly grateful. Every donation helps Dementia UK continue supporting families like ours who are trying to navigate life with this devastating disease.

And if you’re unable to donate, simply sharing this would mean just as much. ❤️

Thank you for taking the time to read something so personal to me.

Lots of love, 

Paige ❤️