A devoted son whose parents were both diagnosed with Alzheimer's claims the disease brought him closer to them in a "strange" twist of fate. Martin Pryce-Gill said his dad Donald had vascular dementia and died five years ago, while his mum Margaret is now living with rapid onset Alzheimer's after a series of falls.
The 55-year-old, who grew up in Newport, is set to join hundreds of fundraisers on the Alzheimer's Society Cardiff Memory Walk taking place in Bute Park this Sunday. He is encouraging others to visit the historic venue to raise vital funds and awareness for the charity.
"Everyone is or will be touched by dementia, and the more we know the more we can do to help those living with it and those helping them," said Martin. "My dad Donald had vascular dementia; it strangely brought us closer, but I know that it is not like that for everyone."
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He went on: "He was a proud man, old school and had been a brilliant engineer, so asking for help wasn't particularly high on his list, but he trusted my mum, sister, and I implicitly to keep him safe and care for him, which we all did. He passed five years ago. Fortunately I was with him then and throughout his illness. I was also often able to console him when things were tough.
"His dog Reggie never left his side throughout his illness and was a great support. I got a kitten who arrived one year to the same weekend of Dad's passing, so he is also called Donald after my father because I never want a day to go by without remembering him. My father would have loved him, as he's a cheeky collection of naughtiness and innocence, and that also makes me smile.”
Martin said his mother Margaret, who is now 94, was recently diagnosed with rapid onset Alzheimer's which has not been helped by long isolating periods in hospital following a series of falls. She is currently well cared for at the Capel Grange Nursing Home in Newport.
"I feel very fortunate that she is there and that the staff are so supportive," Martin added. "It is so important to talk about this issue, because if we don't get out there a speak about it, things will never improve, which is why it is so important for me to do Memory Walk for both my parents."
Alzheimer's Society is encouraging people across Wales to join Martin on Sunday, September 18 to help people affected by dementia through some of the hardest and most frightening times. Memory Walk will bring together people who have been personally affected by dementia, those who want to walk to remember a loved one, and people looking to raise money for charity.
Cheryl James, area manager for Alzheimer's Society Cymru, said: "It has never been more important to support Alzheimer's Society Cymru's crucial work. Too many people in Wales are facing dementia alone without adequate support. We urgently need to find a cure, improve care and offer help and understanding for people affected.
"We are in awe of our amazing fundraisers like Martin and his team, who go above and beyond to raise vital funds and awareness for the estimated 50,000 people living with dementia in Wales. Every step our fundraisers take will to help us provide a lifeline of support for as many people affected by dementia as possible.
"We can't wait to see walkers of all ages and abilities return to Cardiff Memory Walk this autumn and I would call on family, friends and colleagues from across Wales to put their best foot forward to support this vital cause."
Alzheimer's Society research shows that 900,000 people in the UK have a form of dementia. By 2025, one million people will be living with the condition in the UK, and many millions more carers, partners, families and friends are affected. Dementia deaths are rising year on year and 225,000 will develop dementia this year - that's one every three minutes.
Hundreds of walkers have already registered to take part in Cardiff Memory Walk. Supporters can also opt to walk on their own, or with loved ones, on the paths, pavements, parks or pebbles in a location of their choosing throughout September and October. Memory Walk events have been a regular fixture in the autumn calendar for over 10 years, seeing half a million walkers raise over £41m for Alzheimer’s Society. Visit memorywalk.org.uk to find out more about organising your own Memory Walk or taking part in Alzheimer’s Society’s organised events this autumn.
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