Looking after ageing parents is not uncommon. However, for Manchester Half participant Rachel Blow, this responsibility came early when her mum Ruth was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s at age 62.

As Rachel faces the continual challenges of supporting her mum, she will take on the Manchester Half on 13th October to raise money for Alzheimer’s Society. By meeting her aim of £250 in fundraising, Rachel will support life-changing research and breakthrough treatments for the disease, which one in three people born in the UK today will develop during their lifetime.

Read Rachel’s hopeful story (below) to find out how what doctor’s thought was a vitamin deficiency turned out to be Alzheimer’s. Make sure to also support Rachel’s mission to raise £250 for Alzheimer’s Society here.

RACHEL’S STORY

The bond between a mother and daughter is truly special. Even as an adult, my mum has been a source of support and advice – even if our Tomboy natures mean that that advice has often concerned how to lay tiles or remove grease stains!

That’s why it was so hard when in her early sixties mum started to forget things. At first it started with a struggle to find the right words and to follow conversations. Then it became hard for her to concentrate on routine tasks.

Although my granny had dementia and sadly died from the disease, no one in my family was prepared for my mum to get Alzheimer’s so early on in life. The doctor’s attributed her forgetfulness to a vitamin B12 deficiency, but this was ruled out through testing. Eventually, after an MRI scan, we were informed that mum had early onset Alzheimer’s. It was heart-breaking.

People ask what it’s like to be the child of a parent going through Alzheimer’s. It is incredibly difficult. My mum has always been such an independent and intelligent person. After obtaining a degree in chemistry from Stirling University, she worked as a pharmaceutical chemist in Cumbria, until she married my dad, Stephen and moved to Denmark for 6 years. My two siblings and I have fond memories of our childhood. Somehow, mum found the time to work as a science technician; take us to various after-school clubs; cook delicious dinners; and then don her tool belt for endless DIY endeavours. Looking at it, I think her proactive and capable nature made it particularly difficult for everyone – herself included – to accept the diagnosis.

With dad sadly passing away in 2010, my two siblings and my mum’s two sisters help share the responsibility of caring for mum. There are many things to stay on top of, such as hospital appointments, medication reviews, general welfare and finances. It can be stressful at times, but there’s nothing we haven’t been able to handle together so far.

Alzheimer’s Society has also been an invaluable resource throughout this experience. They’ve provided advice and guidance and improved mum’s quality of life substantially by running a weekly club designed to bring people with early onset Alzheimer’s together. Here, they do all sorts of activities including climbing Arthur’s seat, picnics, visiting museums and art galleries, and indoor games on (the many) Scottish rainy days. They have also provided practical help  – including sending someone to help mum with things like shopping and making the tea.

By taking on the Manchester Half this year, I hope to raise not only funds for the Alzheimer’s Society, but also awareness of the difficulties of living with the disease. I believe that a large part of this challenge involves living in a society that isn’t designed for people with invisible disabilities.

Training for the half marathon has been a really powerful tool for enhancing my mindfulness, and the event will be a great way for me to achieve something for myself while supporting a great cause. I’ll be wearing my Alzheimer’s Society T-Shirt on the day, so if you see me I’d appreciate a big encouraging cheer – especially in those final few kms!

Good luck Rachel at your first ever half marathon!

Alongside research, Alzheimer’s Society supports people living with the condition and their carers through companion calls, advisors and much more.

Don’t forget to support Rachel’s fundraising journey for Alzheimer’s Society below.