A West Lothian woman will be climbing Ben Lomond to raise money and awareness for Alzheimer Scotland after her mother, a cancer survivor, sadly passed away from the illness in March.
Sophie O'Brien will be climbing the 974m peak in September as part of the charity's Memory Walk 2022 campaign. This comes after the 32-year-old's mum, Lesley O'Brien, was diagnosed with the illness in 2020 and has sadly passed away six months ago, aged only 66.
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Talking about her motivation to take on the challenge on September 18, Sophie, from Winchburgh, said: "I decided to join this year's Memory Walk in honour of my amazing mum.
"My mum was the strongest woman I have ever met. Full of life, she loved her independence and had the most infectious laugh. 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 my 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."
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Lesley was a cancer survivor, and the new devastating diagnosis came as a shock to her caring family. After experiencing the loss of her beloved mother, Sophie is full of determination to honour her memory by raising money - and awareness - for the charity.
Sophie 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."
You can support Sophie's Memory Walk by donating via her fundraising page here or find out more about the Alzheimer Scotland's Memory Walk 2022 campaign on the charity's website.
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