Dementia patients and their carers

My dad was diagnosed with Dementia towards the end of the pandemic. The route to a diagnosis was long - and the care he needed before that moment was substantial.

My mum was the person who provided that care throughout - in incredibly difficult circumstances. After the diagnosis, more help arrived, at considerable cost - but it's never enough - and the responsibilities always fall on the unpaid carer at home, who sees their life irreversibly change, almost overnight.

My mum became a nurse, a secretary, entertainer-in-chief, chief organiser, admin extraordinaire - you name the role - she played it.

But there is support available to help carers navigate their way through the minefield of understanding your rights as a carer - and to give some much needed respite.

Dementia Carers Count help carers understand what support they can access in the long journey that is a dementia diagnosis and the care that follows - whether that's at home, or moving into a care home and ultimately the end of the journey.

The Studio in Beeston is for people with dementia and their carers. Its focus is on creativity and self-expression. They offer a varied programme of activities led by trained professionals. The aim is to support carers and to give people living with dementia the time and space to express themselves, socialise, practise skills and have fun.

Money raised will be equally split between these two charities.

My dad is now in a home and my mum has her life back - and quite frankly, has never been busier - but there are thousands of people who will be at the beginning/middle of their caring journeys and they all need support. And of course, you will always need support even if your role as the home carer has finished.

Over the next few years - my goal is to run all six of the major global marathons. I've already ran London (twice) and New York- I'll be running Boston in April and then Berlin September - and then Chicago and Tokyo. It may take a few years - and this page will be here for all of them!

The Studio

The Studio holds a Sporting Memories session on Tuesday afternoon. One of the first couples to join were Glyn and Kathy. Glyn was a keen runner, and Kathy accompanied him to marathons all over the UK and abroad. Here they are with Glyn's framed 'certificates' for the first Nottingham marathons. These used to be made of Nottingham lace.

The Studio's purpose is to support carers and enrich the lives of people living with dementia. We run activities for individuals and couples. Day care sessions have paid staff, but the other sessions are entirely run by volunteers.