Cropping the Mop to support those affected by Alzheimer's.

I am Sarah Parkin, and I love helping people - if I can make a positive difference to just one person, if I can make one person smile each day, then I have achieved something good.

I work at Stoneleigh Care Home in Annfield Plain where we look after and support residents who are affected by Alzheimer's disease and Dementia, a disease which cannot be reversed but progresses and presents the sufferer with many challenges and frustrations as the disease takes hold and affects their memories, their cognitive functioning, their mobility, their communication and their ability to do daily tasks, things which we all take for granted.

Alzheimer's and Dementia also affects the family members as they see the huge changes in their loved one, the sadness when 24hour care has to be considered for the person's own safety, and the sadness when their loved ones no longer recognise them and are no longer able to engage in meaningful conversations. There are no instructions when it comes to supporting a loved one with dementia and family members often do not know how to support their loved one in the best way.

I love my job, I do feel like I have found my purpose. I love the home I work in, and the residents are amazing, each one having their own individual needs and requiring their own level of care and support. There is no one size fits all when it comes to a person with dementia.

I wanted to do something as a way of showing our residents and their families that I do care and I wanted to do something to support whose who are affected by this terrible disease, of which there is currently no cure for.

My challenge is nothing in comparison to the challenges that people who are living with dementia face. However, I do appreciate that every little bit of support helps.

I love my red hair; however, I am shaving it off to raise money for the Alzheimer's Society to help support people living with Alzheimer's and Dementia. I hope you will be happy to support me in this challenge by donating a small amount to see me go from red hair to no hair in minutes.

Susan Dodds, my Home Manager is showing her support with my challenge and has presented me with a lovely purple wig, just in case I miss my hair too much. The delightful thing is that purple is my most favourite colour and the wig is the same style as I am used to.

One in three people born in the UK today will develop dementia in their lifetime. We do not want anyone to face the realities of dementia alone. That is why your support is vital.

Thank you so much in advance for any contribution you can make.