Walking A Coventry Way Challenge for Dementia UK

This is Russ.

Many of you will know him but for those of you that don't, in 2021, at the age of just 47, he was diagnosed with dementia. I remember being so shocked when I heard the news and I found it very difficult to process the idea that something so catastrophic could happen to somebody so young, with such a big personality and who was so full of life. If it was difficult for me I can only imagine how devastating it was for Russ and his family.

I first met Russ in the 90's. During those years he was a familiar face on the door of the pub and a hello was always accompanied by an all encompassing bear hug. I house shared with him in the early 2000's and after I was diagnosed with ME/CFS twelve or so years ago he was right there to share the wisdom of his experience with similar symptoms. He did this as we toured the local tips looking for treasure. The serious conversations were punctuated by his catchphrase "Do you know what I mean?" and his big booming laugh.

This week I have learned that Russ has deteriorated very quickly due to his Alzheimer's Disease. Again I find myself shocked and of course deeply saddened. As some of you may recall I have signed myself up to do the official A Coventry Way Challenge at the start of April. Originally I was just going to have a crack at it to see if I could do it but now I think that I'd like to see if I can raise a few quid for Dementia UK along the way. I'd also like to attempt this challenge in memory of Will's dad and any person close to you who has suffered or is suffering from it. I know that many of you have been affected in one way or another.

I know that times are hard right now. If you can spare a few pennies then I'd be very grateful. If you can not or would rather not then I'll be just as grateful for any encouraging words along the way as the old carcass doesn't seem to be terribly willing at the moment and I've got just eleven weeks to persuade it otherwise. This is in no way going to be easy but I promise that I will give it my very best shot in honour of Russ, Ronald and all of your loved ones

I'll finish with some words from Paula, who is caring for Russ:

"Many people that I have spoken to believe that Alzheimer's is just about losing memory but it is so much more than that, it affects all aspects of thinking and behaviour. Alzheimer's from my experience starts with memory loss, a slow deterioration until you get to the point that you can't remember who loved ones are. It's about losing the ability to read, write and speak and to be able to communicate in a coherent manner. It's about not knowing how to complete simple tasks like getting dressed and having a shower. It's about not being able to eat and drink without a level of help. It's about hallucinations and mixed perceptions which sometimes are comforting but sometimes terrifying. It's unpredictable behaviours, changing that person's core personality. This is just the tip of the iceberg of what it does to a person, it changes them completely in every way until they are unrecognisable as the person they once were, it is a truly cruel disease which sadly still has no cure."

I'm hoping to raise money in aid of Dementia UK. It is a specialist dementia nurse charity. Their nurses, called Admiral Nurses, provide life-changing care for families affected by all forms of dementia. By supporting the charity, you can help them grow the number of specialist dementia nurses, giving more families a lifeline. With your help, no one will have to face dementia alone.