Tia Armour

Welcome everyone

I’ve gone back and forward about writing this, but if sharing our story helps even one family or raises awareness of this cruel disease, then it’s worth it.

A while ago, my grandad was diagnosed with vascular dementia, and I don’t think anything can truly prepare you for hearing those words. Dementia doesn’t just affect the person diagnosed it slowly changes life for the whole family.

My grandad has always been the glue that holds us all together. He’s the one with the stories, the laughs, the advice, the familiar face that’s always been there. To watch someone you’ve looked up to your whole life slowly change because of an illness you can’t fix is a pain that’s impossible to put into words.

Vascular dementia is caused by reduced blood flow to the brain, often after strokes or damage to blood vessels. It can affect memory, thinking, communication, emotions and everyday tasks. Some days are better than others, but the heartbreaking reality is that it doesn’t get better. It slowly takes away little pieces of the person you know and love, while they’re still standing right in front of you.

One of the hardest parts is knowing that although my grandad is still here, dementia is slowly stealing moments from us. It’s not just forgotten names or misplaced memories. It’s watching someone you love become frustrated, confused, or struggle with things that once came so naturally. It’s watching your family learn to adapt to a life none of you ever imagined.

That’s why this September, Cole and I are taking on a 30-mile walk.

Not because it will be easy, but because what families living with dementia go through every single day is so much harder.

We’re walking for my grandad.

We’re walking for every family sitting in hospital waiting rooms, every husband and wife, every daughter, son, granddaughter and grandson trying to hold onto the precious moments they still have.

Every donation will go towards supporting people living with dementia, helping families who need it most, and funding research that gives us hope for a better future.

If you’re able to donate, no matter how small, we’d be so incredibly grateful. And if you can’t, sharing this post could help us reach someone who can.

Grandad, this is for you. Thank you for every memory you’ve given us, every lesson you’ve taught us, and every bit of love you’ve poured into our family. We’ll keep making you proud, one step at a time.

Please hold your loved ones a little tighter tonight. Life can change so quickly, and the moments we often take for granted become the ones we treasure most.

💙