Whilst we're all in 'lockdown' and coronavirus dominates the headlines, please spare a thought for another national health challenge. As a retired vet, still well known in the Borders farming community, my 90-year old father is also a respected horseman, though he no longer rides. Instead, he lives with the joys of Alzheimer's and dementia, dearly wishing he was still in the saddle or calving cows! For his recent birthday, I decided to make this music video: <a href="https://youtu.be/7eJ3Ozb5iCs" target="_blank" class="" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://youtu.be/7eJ3Ozb5iCs</a> Initially it was intended as a bit of fun, celebrating the equestrian aspects of dad's life, but it gradually became something honouring the little wins in his daily battle with this cruel and debilitating condition. This often frustrates the hell out of him, but my father still flies the flag bravely, managing to keep the stables tidy and feed his favorite old horse. Dementia services in the Borders urgently need support, so please try and think beyond the current crisis, and make a donation to help dad smash his target! All money raised goes directly to Alzheimer Scotland. <img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/46229396_1584435274737824_r.jpeg" alt="46229396_1584435274737824_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" />2020 - dad with his beloved Bridie (combined age 120!) <img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/46229396_1584435344628643_r.jpeg" alt="46229396_1584435344628643_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" />Denholm Rideout 2009 (dad aged 79!) <img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/46229396_1584435408464405_r.jpeg" alt="46229396_1584435408464405_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" />Hawick Common Riding 1975 (on Tom) <img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/46229396_1584435502640173_r.jpeg" alt="46229396_1584435502640173_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" />Dad (aged 15) in 1945, with Black Magic Thanks in advance for your contribution to this cause that means so much to our family. Alzheimer Scotland is Scotland's leading dementia charity. There are over 90,000 people across Scotland living with a diagnosis of dementia. As this number continues to rise, we need to make dementia care, prevention and awareness a national priority. The money raised will help families affected by dementia in the Scottish Borders, giving them access to vital services such as Dementia Advisors, 24 hour helpline and Dementia Resource Centres. If anyone needs support or advice on Alzheimer's and dementia, please contact the charity's helpline on 0808 [phone redacted]. This is a free service which is available 24/7. <a href="https://www.alzscot.org/living-with-dementia/getting-support/24-hour-freephone-dementia-helpline" target="_blank" class="" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://www.alzscot.org/living-with-dementia/getting-support/24-hour-freephone-dementia-helpline</a>

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Dad's still flying the flag!

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