About

Ten years ago, my dad John was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer's. Over the next few years we were forced to watch as he was slowly taken from us by the disease. Some days were better than others, but the good days became rarer as the dementia progressed. Alzheimer's in particular, and dementia in general, is a cruel disease which slowly steals the victim's mind. They become forgetful and easily confused. Communication becomes harder, and in later stages is almost impossible. They suffer from fits of anxiety, agitation and anger. Their balance is affected, leading to trips and falls. They gradually need more and more help with everyday tasks, until they eventually require full time care. After a decade fighting the disease, my dad died on January 22nd. On July 22nd, six months on, I'm going to shave my hair to raise money for Alzheimer's Research UK. Hopefully the money I raise can help them find a cure so that fewer people will have to go through what my dad, his family and friends went through.