A Wokingham woman is stepping out this weekend (September 10) to raise money in memory of her father.
Michelle Spratt will be walking with family members in memory of her father, John Donoghue, who died with dementia in 2019.
Hundreds of walkers will come together to bring help and hope to people living with dementia in Windsor by raising vital funds for Alzheimer’s Society.
Michelle said: “We’re a very close family and have taken part in several Memory Walks, both before and after dad’s death.
“I witnessed my dad slide slowly into the darkness of vascular dementia, shrivel away from all the wonderful things he had once enjoyed and finally die.
“He was 59 when he suffered a stroke. Five years passed by before he was diagnosed with Vascular Dementia, Alzheimer’s, Frontotemporal Dementia, and Pick’s Disease.
“He was 77 when he died. He had been ill for 18 years. He went from being what started out as a slightly forgetful version of himself to an anxious, irritable ghost who would often wake in the middle of the night to put on his best business suit, and then attempt to leave the family home to go to the London-based job he’d been made redundant from many years prior.”
Also taking part in the walk is Michelle’s mum Vicky, who single-handedly cared for her husband for 12 years before the family took the heart-wrenching decision to admit him to a psychiatric hospital. Eight months later, he moved to a care home, where he spent the final six years of his life.
The mum and daughter have also co-authored a book about their experiences of caring for a loved one with dementia, called Come On In … To Our World of Living with Vascular Dementia.
Michelle added: “When dad died, a part of me was relieved that he had been released from a world where he could no longer take pleasure in simple things like making a cup of tea, reading the daily newspaper, cuddling his grandchildren, or going for a walk with mum.
“There will be a big family group at Windsor at the weekend, all of us wearing Alzheimer’s Society T-shirts, and all of us walking in memory of my beloved dad.”
Carrie Holmes, Regional Manager for Alzheimer’s Society in the South East, said: “With an estimated 134,570 people living with dementia in the South East, there has never been a better time to gather your support network and take part in the Windsor Memory Walk.
“The buzz of the crowd, quiet moments of remembrance, the hug of a stranger who gets it – whatever you feel on the day, you won’t be alone. And every pound raised by our incredible supporters will help improve the lives of everyone living with dementia both now and in the future.
“So, whether you walk as one or walk with many on Sunday, it’s the perfect opportunity to celebrate and remember all those affected by dementia and help fund vital support and research.”
Hundreds of supporters have already registered to take part in Memory Walk, which is suitable for all ages and abilities and is free to sign up.
Participants can also opt to organise a walk of their own at a time and location of their choice during Autumn 2023 and will receive a fundraising pack and T-shirt.
To sign up and find out more, visit memorywalk.org.uk
