After my pop passed away, my nan's dementia progressed quite quickly. By 2020, she had moved into a care home because she could no longer safely live on her own. Frequent falls and the challenges of daily life meant she needed more support than she could manage by herself.
My nan was my favourite grandparent, and I absolutely adored her. Many of my happiest memories are of being with her in the kitchen while she baked and cooked. Looking back, I think that's where my own love of baking began.
I'm taking part in this walk in her memory. Dementia took so much from her, and in the final year of her life she no longer knew who I was, all she wanted was to go home. That was incredibly difficult, but I take some comfort in knowing she may not have fully understood how heartbroken I was to see her decline.
That's one of the reasons this walk means so much to me. It's a chance to remember my nan, honour her memory, and support everyone currently living with dementia and those who care for them.
Dementia is still very close to home for me today, as my father-in-law has also been diagnosed with the condition. Seeing its impact on another member of our family has reinforced just how devastating dementia can be, and why raising awareness and supporting research is so important.
