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This weekend I completed the 26 miles mission that is 'Trek26 Stonehenge', organised by The Alzheimer's Society. There is a series of these around the country to sign up to- and I would much recommend! The legs are sore and one big blister on left foot is making walking tricky but oh so worth it in terms of raising awareness and sponsorship, plus a great mission to get your teeth stuck into. I went it alone but felt so supported by messages of love and I was lucky enough to meet some great people along the way. I covered the ground in 8hrs and met one woman in particular, Camilla, with whom I walked almost from start to finish. We were on the same page about so much. It's these encounters with strangers that have really struck me as so important. We all need each other in one way or another. Keep reaching out and keep moving forward. 
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We were treated last week to Songhaven's wonderful dementia friendly professional singers at Woodchurch House care home. The residents' and their families hugely enjoyed it and we were mesmerised by the beauty of their voices. A wonderful event that continues to prove the power of music and how it seems to tap into an emotionally charged part of the brain protected from dementia. Movement has always made sense to me. Dad was a keen marathon runner and, as a family, we watched him compete in short and long distance races around the world. Mum took it up in order to train for the London Marathon and enjoyed one of the best days of her life doing it.
As an adult, I've raised money for charity doing one full and a handful of half marathons. It's a great way to raise money, awareness and to make your moves 'public' so that it becomes a mission you can't duck out of! The high of completing an event is tremendous as is the sense of achievement. Recently, mum's dementia has taken centre stage and at times I've resented the situation and at other times I've felt so tearful for the mum that I'm losing. However, as time has passed and she has descended further, I've come to terms with it more and I've learnt to make it my mission to turn pain into purpose. This approach has really helped me. One of the challenges I've taken on is a Trek26; these are a series of half and full marathon walks organised by the Alzheimer's Society. So off I'll set on 11th. May to walk the 26 mile route around Stonehenge, and beyond! This event has given me a goal and I hope on the day to meet many others in the same boat as I. Best of luck to everyone on a mission! Check out this wonderful, powerful & moving film cleverly capturing the essence of dementia by @MusicforDemUK.
Mum and I so proud to feature in it and you'll see her carefree as she dances to 'Simply the Best' by her fav Tina Turner. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lhHyotfs6xo How does music affect those you know with dementia? How have they responded when you played songs that are meaningful to them? Love to all x |
AuthorClara Hebblethwaite; Founder of The Dementia Experience Archives
May 2025
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