In late 2019, our father was diagnosed with a chest infection and was prescribed antibiotics but, as weeks went by it wasn't clearing, his infection had developed into Pneumonia and while in Stepping Hill hospital the doctors could see something on his lungs that they couldn't explain (Covid). As days went by, he deteriorated as his lungs couldn't fight the infection and due to this, he was put into an induced coma in ICU to help give his body the rest he needed, as weeks went by the doctors couldn't see any improvement.

Myself, my mum and my 6-month-old daughter spent every day at the hospital hoping he would pull though. For me, my hope was that my daughter would grow up to know the kind, caring, mischievous, fun, loving granddad that I knew growing up. After 4 weeks on a ventilator, on Christmas Eve we were told to prepare for his death as they needed to wean him off the ventilator. They didn't think his lungs were strong enough to survive but our dad's fight brought him through a very long and slow recovery but with this brought on the early onset of Alzheimer's.

Over the last 6 years we have watched our dad become a shell of his former self.

• Forgetting about recent conversations or events

• Misplacing items

• Forgetting the names of places, objects and loved ones

• Having trouble thinking of the right word

• Repetitively asking the same questions

• Finding it hard to make decisions

• Becoming less flexible and more hesitant to try new things

• Becoming confused and disorientated

• Becoming delusional (believing things that are untrue) or feeling paranoid

• Changes in his mood, such as frequent mood swings, depression and feeling increasingly anxious, frustrated or agitated

• Feeling ashamed and embarrassed that he is no longer able to carry out tasks that used to be second nature

As our dad and close family members embark on the Alzheimer’s 5k memory walk on the 4th October 2025 at Heaton Park to raise funds every donation will help, can you join us in making a difference to this amazing cause which helps families in need.

I have recently watched my late father-in-law die from dementia and require end of life care, and it’s devastating to watch loved ones deteriorate and need around the clock care from loved ones in their time of need.

At Alzheimer’s Society they are working towards a world where dementia no longer devastates lives. They do this by giving help to those living with dementia today, and providing hope for the future by campaigning to make dementia the priority it should be and funding groundbreaking research. One in three people born in the UK today will develop dementia in their lifetime. We don’t want anyone to face the realities of dementia alone. That’s why your support is vital.

Thank you in advance for your contribution to this cause that means so much to us.