A young mum who suspected she was suffering from post-natal depression was shocked after being diagnosed with a rare form of dementia.
Holly Braithwaite started experiencing the symptoms in 2019, shortly after giving birth, but it never even crossed her mind that, at just 34, she could have the heart-breaking illness.
Holly was eventually diagnosed with Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD) after various tests and scans, with doctors believing she is the youngest person in the UK to have the incredibly rare illness.
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Holly's friends, Sophie and Kayleigh, were left devastated by the news and have recently started a fundraising campaign, and have also completing an eight-mile charity walk in Holly's honour.
More than 80 friends and family members are due to join in and walk to raise money for Rare Dementia Support, with a total so far of £7000 being raised.
The Manchester Evening News reports that the service was funded by The National Brain Appeal and it became a lifeline for Holly, husband Alex and her mother Chris following the devastating diagnosis.
Sophie, who also now helps care for Holly, said: "It took a while for Holly to get a proper diagnosis.
"After several different tests and scans it was confirmed it was Frontotemporal Dementia. We were so shocked when were heard it was a form of dementia.
"Holly’s so sharp, even now, she will know dates, birthdays, what we did on nights out when we were younger.
"That’s the surprising thing about FTD and some of these rarer forms of dementia. It’s not about memory loss and it can happen to younger people.”
FTD, as mentioned above, is extremely rare and causes problems with behaviour, personality and language. It affects the front side of the brain and can affect anyone, including people older than Holly.
Like other forms of dementia, there is sadly no cure. The Rare Dementia Support offers advice and a safe space for people with similar problems to meet.
It aims to empower, guide and inform people who are living with rare dementia while also providing support to loved ones.
Sophie said: “The Rare Dementia Support team have been a godsend to those caring for Holly, offering their expertise and support to the family and so we knew we wanted to give something back.
"When Kayleigh and I went to Alex with our idea of a fundraising walk, he suggested we do this for The National Brain Appeal who fund the service. We have contacted lots of people who know and love Holly to join us to celebrate her and to help to raise money for the charity.
"We’ve also had support from people who don’t know Holly but just want to show they care. We really wanted to just make the day a good one, one that is full of fun and laughter, just the way Holly would like it."
She added: "Holly’s condition is progressing faster than any of us anticipated. As family and friends we are doing all we can to support her and create a safe, loving and caring environment for her during this scary, confusing time.
"We are devastated and broken-hearted to see what is happening to our beloved friend. We know there is no cure and we just want to be there for her and do whatever we can for her, Alex, Alba, Chris and all the family."
If you would like to donate, please visit their JustGiving page.
