A West Lothian woman has spoken about how she had to “grieve twice” after her mum passed away from Alzheimer's.
Sophie O’Brien lost mum Lesley to the disease at just 66 years old after a two-year battle.
First diagnosed in 2020, cancer-survivor Lesley passed away six months ago, leaving Sophie and her family heartbroken.
Sophie, who stays in Winchburgh, said her mum was “active and bright” before the disease took hold.
Sophie (32) said: “She had cancer in 2000 and raised money for the Walk for Life. I just thought I’d do this for her and raise awareness.
“Bringing awareness to this truly awful disease is what it’s all about.
“This disease doesn’t just affect older people, it’s not a natural part of ageing. Know the signs and get an early diagnosis.
“I just want people to not be afraid and to understand it.
“It affects their whole personality and it’s like grieving one person and then this new person comes and then you grieve them.
“It’s like grieving twice in a strange way.”
Sophie said her was the strongest woman she had ever met, was full of life, loved her independence and had the most infectious laugh.
She continued: “Her outlook on life and positive attitude will always be something I admire.
“My mum was my biggest cheerleader - and me hers. She showed both my brother Chris and I so much love and support growing up that I felt I could do anything. “Having become a mother myself recently, I’ve lost track of the amount of times I’ve wished I could pick up the phone for a chat, ask advice and share memories of my son, Caleb, with her. I know she would have loved every second of this journey with me.
“Caleb won’t remember mum or see the amazing woman she was, but he will know her, I talk about her every day.
“If I’m half the woman and mother she was, I’ll be happy.”
Later this month Sophie is getting ready to climb Ben Lomond in memory of her mum as she raises money and awareness for Alzheimer Scotland.
Sophie will take part in the charity’s Memory Walk later this month as she clambers up the 974m munro.
The 32-year-old’s mum, Lesley O’Brien, sadly passed away in March after a two-year battle with the illness.
Sophie, mum to 10-month-year-old son Caleb, explained her motivation for signing up for Alzheimer Scotland’s Memory Walk.
She said her family were shocked by cancer-survivor Lesley’s dementia diagnosis - and Sophie is keen to raise awareness as well as much-needed funds through her walk.
She said: “She was diagnosed just before lockdown, but looking back I think the signs were already there.
“You just didn’t know. You’re in denial aren’t you?
“She had such an amazing personality and at first we thought: ‘Oh, it’s just one of her quirks’.
“But each time you go home you see a difference. I’d go down every week that we were allowed to see her.
“It was quick and I think I was a bit naive. I didn’t realise that it would take her like that.
“It was really quick, I think it was two years. A really strange time for us.”
part in her first walk, Sophie is keen to soak it all in by getting an early start at the trek.
Once she’s climbed to the summit, a moment will no doubt be had to reflect and honour her mum’s life.
She added: “The plan is to get there nice and early to truly take in all its beauty.
“My mum was so fit and active, more so than me. I know she would love this walk.
“She walked everywhere and loved nature. She was the quickest walker ever, I had to run to keep up with her as a kid!
“We had a German shepherd and my mum was a fit little lady because of it.
“She was so strong, funny and feisty. We have lots of happy memories.”
Kirsty Stewart, Alzheimer Scotland Stakeholder Engagement Executive Lead, said: “I am delighted to be welcoming back Alzheimer Scotland’s annual Memory Walk.
“Now in its fifth year, it is a great opportunity to bring the dementia community together; to be able to connect, celebrate, raise awareness, remember loved ones and show support for people living with dementia, their family members and carers.
“It’s only with the help of our incredible supporters that we can continue to be there for people living with dementia and their families.
“This event always brings with it a sense of hope, reinvigoration, and community that I can’t wait to get involved with again this year. I look forward to seeing those that regularly support our Memory Walks, and hopefully meet a few new faces, too.
“Together we can make sure nobody faces dementia alone.
You can support Sophie’s Memory Walk by donating via her fundraising page here
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