They walked in honour of brave Isobel and Martin

The extended family took part in a Memory Walk last year, then went to see Isobel to tell her all about it. being aware of what was ahead of us, but dementia affects every individual differently so having experience didn’t help us in that sense. “It was a difficult time.” When Frances, Marty and Billy were sorting through their dad’s belongings, they found an Alzheimer Scotland helpline card. They don’t know if he ever used it, but just knowing he had someone to talk to brought them great comfort.

Isobel eventually went into longterm care but thanks to the charity she was still able to do the one thing that meant so much.

“Mum’s faith was very important to her and she used to go to church every morning.

“The charity organised for a lady called Helen to take her every Tuesday and afterwards they would go for a coffee. Mum really trusted Helen and it came at a time when we all needed it, especially her.”

It was that special care and support that prompted the family to take part in a Memory Walk last year to raise funds and awareness for Alzheimer Scotland.

“My niece Rebekah, two great n e p h e w s A n d re w and Aidan and my son Darren and his girlfriend Susan did it and we had a great day.

“It was a lovely atmosphere and there was lots of advice and information about dementia along the route, too.

“Afterwards we bought burgers and went to see Mum and told her all about the day.”

Isobel passed away in December, aged 77.

This year even more of her family will be taking part in the Memory Walk in Milngavie.

“There are 12 of us this time, including my husband David and daughter Vhairi along with Marty and her son, Lewis,” Frances added.

“Once we’re finished we’ll go for burgers again and although we can’t go and see Mum, we will sit and reminisce about years gone by and all the great times we had with our parents.”

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