A young Scots woman has told how she was left ‘grieving twice’ for her mum after she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease. Sophie O’Brien is set to climb Ben Lomond to raise money and awareness of the condition, which claimed her mum Lesley’s life six months ago.
The 66-year-old, who previously won a battle against cancer, was told she had the illness in 2020, leaving her and her family in shock before losing her battle just two years later. Daughter Sophie, 32, from Winchburgh, West Lothian, is now speaking out to urge others to be aware of the signs, Edinburgh Live reports.
Sophie, mum to 10-month-old son Caleb, said: "This disease doesn't just affect older people, it's not a natural part of ageing. Know the signs and get an early diagnosis. She was diagnosed just before lockdown, but looking back I think the signs were already there.
"You just didn’t know. You’re in denial aren’t you? She had such an amazing personality and at first we thought: ‘Oh, it’s just one of her quirks’. But each time you go home you see a difference. I’d go down every week that we were allowed to see her.
“It was quick and I think I was a bit naive. I didn’t realise that it would take her like that. It was really quick, I think it was two years. A really strange time for us.
"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.
"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."
She added: “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."
Sophie will be climbing the 974m peak in September as part of Alzheimer Scotland’s Memory Walk 2022 campaign.
Kirsty Stewart, Alzheimer Scotland Stakeholder Engagement Executive Lead, said: “I am delighted to be welcoming back Alzheimer Scotland’s annual Memory Walk.
“Now in its fifth year, it is a great opportunity to bring the dementia community together; to be able to connect, celebrate, raise awareness, remember loved ones and show support for people living with dementia, their family members and carers.
“It’s only with the help of our incredible supporters that we can continue to be there for people living with dementia and their families.
“This event always brings with it a sense of hope, reinvigoration, and community that I can’t wait to get involved with again this year. I look forward to seeing those that regularly support our Memory Walks, and hopefully meet a few new faces, too.
“Together we can make sure nobody faces dementia alone.”
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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