Chris explains how his gran Patricia’s dementia diagnosis changed the way he thought about the condition and inspired him to take on a 100-mile challenge.
"Before my gran Patricia was diagnosed, I used to think dementia was something that only affected the family rather than the person. I thought, well it’s not that bad, it’s just part of getting older and the person with dementia isn’t aware of what’s happening anyway.
"But when my gran got her diagnosis with vascular dementia in 2022 I saw firsthand that it really did affect her, as well as those close to her. It was an eye opener.
"There would be days where she seemed like her old self as though nothing was wrong, and it was amazing to hear her tell all these old stories. But then other days she might not know who you are. She would get confused about things, which was really tough to see and I could tell it was difficult for her too.
"The more I looked into it, the more I learned just how many people are affected by dementia. There must be lots of people who think, like I did, that this illness isn’t a big deal or there’s nothing that can be done, but that’s just not the case.
"I read about all the amazing work Alzheimer Scotland does to help people affected by dementia and I set myself a challenge to do something to support the cause. I decided to walk 100 miles in one month to raise awareness and some much-needed funds.
"I have a family and run a business, but I knew I could spare an hour a day to get out and do this. Me and my dog Pascal walked in some beautiful places around the Clyde valley and Lanark. I had planned to end the challenge by visiting my gran in her care home but sadly it had to close to visitors and then a few days later she passed away, aged 87.
"I’m heartbroken but so grateful for the time we shared. Gran was an amazing, caring woman. She came over from Ireland as a young woman and worked as a midwife and community nurse around Lanarkshire. She was firm but fair and didn’t mince her words. Gran had four children and nine grandchildren and was always looking after everyone. She was famous for her homemade soup and tiger bread.
"I’ve really enjoyed doing something positive in her honour. I’m definitely going to do more fundraising challenges and want to keep on raising awareness of dementia and supporting the great work of Alzheimer Scotland."