The one thing I said I would never do, and here I am doing it, writing a blog.
I am not at all talented in the old writing department, MrH is the skilled one in that area, but I said I would do this, so here is my very first public attempt.
So why Alzheimers New Zealand? Any why running and not baking a cake or something more civilised??
10 years ago, my much loved Grandad died after having Alzhiemers disease for at least the last 4 years of his life. He suffered with all our family watching it, whilst he slowly slipped further and further away. This, for all of us was heart breaking, not to mention we never really knew if he had any sane moments and would question where he was and why he wasn't out for a walk, reading the Daily Telegraph or swearing at Terry Wogan on TV (his favourite past time!!).
Dealing with this disease was just very sad, with no light at the end of the tunnel, no treatment, no respite and above all else, no happy ending. After spending your lifetime with someone who laughs at all your jokes, smiles when you walk in a room and let's you sit on their knee (no matter how old and BIG you are!) to then walk into a room and they don't even know who you are, is just the most gut wrenching feeling. With many illness, you have hope, the chance to grieve and discuss it together. Alzhiemers takes all this from you.
It is so very hard to understand where they have gone and why is has happened to them? You can't talk about treatment, getting better or even sometimes explain what it is that they have to them. And the endless appointments and visits to get a diagnose are even harder for some.
There are so many worthwhile causes out there, this one is just very close to my heart and it doesn't just affect the old, there are cases of people in their 30's being diagnosed with this disease.
I'll answer my other pondering questions later, together with a full blow by blow account of me and MrH training regime and how intensley dull we really have become.
Thanks for listening, xx
http://www.givealittle.co.nz/member/ClaireHuxley
That was beautifully written Claire! And this photo of you with Grandad...happy but sad at the same time...even on here he had lost so much of the person he was..but as we all know it become so much worse. What a fantastic cause to raise money for...you and Mr H are stars!!
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