The time had come we were sat in the waiting room. I relived pretty much every appointment I have had before, the sights, smells, I even remembered all the conversations and the staff – suddenly it all seemed uneasily familiar.
Author: hannahmackaydc
My name is Hannah Mackay I am a 36 year old mother and serving police officer. I am also a passionate campaigner working to raise awareness about all forms of dementia. Hence the Hannah Mackay user name including DC, not that I'm from Washington just that I am a Dementia Campaigner. I have a particular commitment to raise awareness and funds for investment into research to find a cure for early onset dementias like Frontotemporal dementia which has had a devastating impact on my family.
The Summer of 2018 – decision time
Anyway the poor professor having asked the question was in no way ready for the answer. All my thoughts, my emotions and the rationale behind my need to find out came running out of my mouth like a tsunami.
Running for Dad and the precious put down
The Ultra Marathon runners started before us and at the start line Dad decided that,the Ultra Marathon was for him! Off he went closely followed by the girls calling after him “Grandad that’s not the race for you” but there was no stopping him.
Life on an ocean wave – the last sail
We decided as a family when Dad was diagnosed that life was all about living well with dementia. It was also about making memories and this last day of sailing with Dad will forever be remembered as one of our best.
Dad’s Run (Walk) – the race is on!
Little did I know at the time that running would come to mean so much to me. Time to think and clear my head and find the confidence I had forgotten I had.
The year after my Dad’s diagnosis
I asked myself, minute by minute, everyday and the weeks turned into months. I wavered and agonised over whether to have the test or not. I started to feel as the time passed that I could not escape the question. My gut feeling was I want to find out.
Kicked in a stomach by a horse
In another way his diagnosis was a relief. There was an explanation for his behaviour, a rationale behind his thoughts, a reason why he had suddenly decided to walk 6 miles across Ashdown Forest in the dark
