Loss that no one can replace
Saturday 10th Jan
My grandmother passed away, and in the later stages of her life she was living with dementia. Watching someone you love slowly change because of this condition is something that’s hard to put into words. Dementia didn’t just affect her memory – it affected her confidence, her independence, and the way she connected with the world around her. It also deeply affected our family, who were trying our best to support her while navigating emotions we’d never had to face before.
In the early days, there were moments of confusion that we brushed off as normal ageing. Over time, those moments became more frequent and more frightening. Simple conversations became difficult. Familiar routines were forgotten. Seeing my grandmother struggle with things she once did effortlessly was heartbreaking, and it was painful to realise that this was something we couldn’t fix.
What stood out most during that time was how isolating dementia can feel – not just for the person living with it, but for their loved ones too. We often felt unsure, overwhelmed, and unprepared. Having access to specialist support, clear information, and compassionate guidance can make an enormous difference, yet so many families don’t know where to turn.
That’s why Dementia UK means so much to me. The work they do to support families through specialist dementia nurses, practical advice, and emotional support is vital. Dementia doesn’t only take memories; it takes a sense of security and understanding, and Dementia UK helps give some of that back.
By fundraising, I want to honour my grandmother and the person she was beyond her diagnosis. I also want to help ensure that other families facing dementia don’t have to feel as lost or alone as we sometimes did. Every donation, no matter how small, helps fund expert support for people living with dementia and those who care for them.
Dementia is a cruel disease, but compassion, awareness, and support can make the journey a little less frightening. I’m proud to support Dementia UK, and I hope that by sharing my story, I can help shine a light on why this cause matters so deeply.
Thank you for taking the time to read, and for supporting a future where no one has to face dementia alone.
Share
