Wednesday 28th October 2026

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Oh, the bad head days! How I hate them. How they disrupt, disorientate and completely knock me off balance.

Having a few days away was wonderful, a chance to escape, enjoy nature and take a little break from everyday life. But sometimes, even the loveliest of weekends and then home to a full on few days always comes at a cost. The head from hell days!

The heaviness… oh, the heaviness! It’s like having a huge, dark cloud sitting inside my head that simply refuses to move. Everything feels harder. The confusion increases, and my sensitivity to noise goes through the roof. Even wearing my glasses to read feels heavy and annoyingly uncomfortable. At times, I feel nauseous, and no matter what I try, nothing seems to shift that bloody awful feeling.

It’s difficult to explain unless you’ve experienced it yourself. Imagine trying to think clearly when your head feels full of fog, every sound seems amplified, and even the simplest things take more effort than they should. You want to feel like yourself again, but you can’t simply switch it off. You have to ride it out and hope that, eventually, the cloud will begin to lift.

Trying to explain this to hubby isn’t always easy. He looks at me and asks, “You okay?”

I might just shrug my shoulders, because sometimes I haven’t got the energy to explain how I feel. Then comes the response, “Well, you don’t look it.”

And that’s the thing, isn’t it? I might look a little tired, vacant at times, but I’m not physically unwell. I can still talk, smile, walk around and try my best to function, even when my head feels anything but normal.

Sometimes I think hubby forgets that I have dementia and that a busy weekend, followed by a busy couple of days, no matter how wonderful they have been, can take its toll on me. I get tired of trying to explain how I feel. I get tired of repeating that I do have dementia, and that the effects of it aren’t always visible to the people around me.

I know it must be difficult for someone else to understand when they can’t physically see what is happening inside my head. There’s no plaster, bandage or obvious sign to show that I’m struggling. From the outside, I might look just the same as I did yesterday, but inside, everything can feel completely different.

Dementia is so much more than forgetting things. It can affect how I process information, how I cope with noise, how I manage my day and how much energy I have available. Sometimes, even the things I love doing can leave me needing time to recover.

I’m not someone who gives in easily. I keep trying, keep pushing myself and keep finding reasons to look forward. But I’m also learning that I can’t keep pushing through every difficult day as though nothing is wrong.

Sometimes, I need to stop.

I need peace and quiet. I need the noise to settle, the pressure to ease and the opportunity to let my head recover. I need time to recharge, without feeling that I have to explain myself or prove that I’m struggling.

And perhaps that’s something we all need to understand, whether we live with dementia or support someone who does. Just because someone looks okay doesn’t mean they are okay. A smile can hide a multitude of struggles, and being able to hold a conversation doesn’t mean everything is working as it should.

So, on those bad head days, I’m trying to remind myself that it’s okay to slow down. It’s okay to rest. It’s okay to give myself permission to do less.

I haven’t given up. I’m simply recognising that sometimes my head needs something that I can’t force it to give me.

A little peace, a little quiet, and a little time.

Because even a dementia rebel needs to recharge sometimes.

Monday 26th October 2026

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We do love Cumbria! Although there are some wonderful places to visit, we tend to feel more at home away from the main tourist spots like Windermere and Keswick, which can get very busy. Instead, we’re discovering the quieter places, such as Bassenthwaite, Greystoke, Millom and Kirkby Stephen. We’re still finding new places to explore, but one of our favourites has to be Augill Beck, near Kirkby Stephen.

The lodge retreat is peaceful, surrounded by nature, with only around 30 lodges in total. It has such a wonderful, tranquil atmosphere, making it the perfect place to escape for a few days.

This time, we booked a long weekend and, despite having visited before, we still managed to discover new walks and places to see.

When we go away, it’s also the perfect excuse to take plenty of photographs! Memories of dates, times and places become even more precious when your memory doesn’t always cooperate. My photographs help me remember where we’ve been and what we’ve seen, and they’re also incredibly useful when it comes to writing my blogs.

We arrived at around 2.30pm, and our routine is always the same. First, we unpack, put the kettle on, enjoy a cake and then have a wander around the surrounding area to see what we can discover. After that, it’s time for our evening meal and a little planning for the following day.

I’d spotted a nature reserve and viaduct online, not too far from where we were staying, with a relatively flat walk. So, on Saturday morning, after breakfast, we headed straight out to explore.

Smardale Gill Nature Reserve and Viaduct

Finding the place was an adventure in itself!

Our sat nav decided to take us down some random roads and almost delivered us into a farmyard, which certainly wasn’t the car park we were looking for! After taking another wrong turn we decided to ignore the sat nav, hubby eventually found the car park at Smardale Gill by the use of a map on his phone.

Finally, we were on our walk!

The pathways were lovely and flat, with good underfoot conditions, making it an enjoyable walk. Little birds flitted between the trees, and the dogs were in their element, enjoying the freedom and all the wonderful smells along the way.

We’d been walking for about half an hour when the viaduct finally came into view through the trees

What an impressive sight! Built in 1861, Smardale Gill Viaduct curves its way across the dramatic valley of Scandal Beck. The railway line closed in 1962, and in 1992 the viaduct was handed over to a trust, allowing it to become a permissive footpath.

Today, it’s a Grade II listed structure and has received a National Railway Heritage Award.

It’s a fabulous piece of engineering, and the surrounding views were simply spectacular. There was plenty to photograph, and we took our time enjoying the scenery.

Later that day, after a little refuelling, we headed to Brough Castle. Of course, plenty more photographs were taken! And what’s a visit to a new place without finding a local café for tea and cake? We certainly weren’t going to miss out on that.

A Sunday Morning

Sunday morning found me up and out early, hoping to spot some roe deer and rabbits. I was lucky enough to see plenty of both!

No red squirrels this time, unfortunately, although I did spot one grey squirrel spending time among the rabbits around our lodge. You never quite know what wildlife you’ll come across when you’re out and about, and that’s part of the pleasure of being surrounded by nature.

After breakfast, we took a short drive to the Eden Valley Railway.

The Eden Valley Railway Trust has restored a section of the railway line between Warcop and Appleby-in-Westmorland, so we just had to climb aboard and experience a little piece of railway history.

We travelled on an old train from the 1960s, carriage 61798, a preserved British Rail Class electric multiple unit driving motor brake second carriage, built at Eastleigh in 1961.

We tootled along the line, taking in the views and enjoying the experience. And I must say, the seats were far comfier than those on today’s trains!

Sometimes it’s lovely to slow down and enjoy something a little different. Not everything has to be about rushing from one attraction to another; sometimes the simplest experiences are the ones we enjoy the most.

After our train journey, we headed back to the lodge for lunch and a quick rest before setting off again, this time for a walk beside the river.

The dogs had a wonderful time splashing about in the water and enjoying a good run around. Watching them having so much fun is always a pleasure, and it’s lovely to see them enjoying the outdoors just as much as we do.

Time to Head Home

And just like that, our long weekend was coming to an end.

There was time for our evening meal, a little packing and one last chance to appreciate our surroundings before heading home.

We’ve been so lucky with the weather, and we’ve enjoyed some beautiful walks, discovered new places, spotted wildlife, taken lots of photographs and made more lovely memories together.

A peaceful few days surrounded by nature, with plenty of fresh air, history, cake and dog walks. What more could we ask for?

Sometimes a break away is just what we need to recharge our batteries, step away from our usual routines and remind ourselves how much pleasure there is in the simple things.

And as always, nature is free.

Friday 23rd October 2026

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Sometimes, it’s good to take a break for a few days, step away from the busyness of life, and simply breathe.

On Friday, 16th October, we immersed ourselves in nature once again. Nestled amongst the rolling hills of the Lake District is an idyllic park with luxury lodges and pods. We have had this weekend away booked for quite some time, and it couldn’t have come at a better moment.

After a busy few months filled with dementia meetings, radio interviews, speaking in Switzerland, and then navigating the complexities of the complaints procedure, only to have the complaint taken away in an instant due to circumstances beyond my control, I was ready to step back, let go of the stress, and just breathe again.

We have returned to Augill Beck, a beautiful place tucked away near Kirkby Stephen, and we absolutely love it here.

Waking up in the morning to roe deer wandering nearby, hoping to catch a glimpse of the red squirrels, listening to the birds, and hearing the soothing sound of the beck trickling past our lodge is just perfect. It’s the kind of place that allows you to slow down, relax, and begin to feel yourself again.

As we arrive, it feels like stepping into a different world. Almost immediately, I can breathe a little easier, and I can feel my body beginning to unwind. There is something about this place that helps me leave the outside world behind, even if just for a little while.

With the unpacking done, it’s time to have a wander around the area. Toby and Sooty are always keen to get out for a walk, especially with the scent of squirrels in the air! Their little legs can barely move fast enough as we follow the winding path towards the duck pond, surrounded by tall pine trees with squirrel feeding boxes nestled amongst them.

The dogs are kept firmly on their leads, of course. The last thing we want is for them to frighten the wildlife by darting off at speed!

The woodland smells wonderful, and as we walk, a roe deer suddenly stops and stares at us before darting away into the ferns and bracken. Little birds flit playfully between the bushes and trees, whilst the blue skies above lift my spirits.

It’s moments like these that remind me how precious the simple things in life can be.

Perhaps it’s the familiarity of returning somewhere we have stayed before, or perhaps it’s simply the peace and quiet. Whatever it is, Augill Beck has a special place in my heart. Here, I feel relaxed, comfortable, and at home.

For a little while, no emails to write. Just the fresh air, the beautiful surroundings, my hubby, and our two little Scottie Dogs, Toby and Sooty.

Sometimes, we all need to give ourselves permission to pause, especially when life has been emotionally exhausting.

And right now, this is exactly where I need to be.

Thursday 22nd October 2026

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If you’re a Corrie fan like me, you’ll know that the wonderful Sue Devaney (Debbie) and Vinta Morgan (Ronnie) have been bringing a dementia storyline to Coronation Street.

Personally, I think both actors are doing a wonderful job of bringing this storyline to life and helping to make it feel real. There have been a few moments when I’ve thought, “Ooh, that’s perhaps a little over the top!” But then we also have to take into account the personalities of the characters themselves.

Sue’s character, Debbie, is flamboyant, strong and very much larger than life. She’s a real live wire who wants to carry on as normally as possible, despite what is happening to her. Ronnie, on the other hand, is a gentleman who loves Debbie to bits and simply wants to do everything right by her. He wants to protect her, keep her safe and look after the woman he loves.

Mmm… I can certainly relate to parts of this storyline!

I’ve watched Coronation Street for as long as I can remember. It’s part of my daily routine, and if Corrie isn’t on television for some reason (usually because of the football!), my routine gets thrown completely out of sync. Yes, that’s my Alzheimer’s talking!

So, when Dementia UK approached me to ask if hubby, John, and I would be willing to speak with Sue and Vinta about dementia, my answer was an absolute YES!

There was just one little catch… I had to keep it a secret!

For weeks, I was sworn to secrecy. Can you imagine how difficult that was? I was absolutely bursting at the seams to tell someone, especially my family. Keeping such exciting news to myself was no easy task!

Yesterday Wednesday 21 October, hubby and I set off for Manchester. We decided to make a day of it, visiting The Lowry Arts and Entertainment Centre and the Imperial War Museum Manchester before meeting Tom from DementiaUK.

We met Tom in the museum café for a coffee and a chat, before setting off for the ITV studios at around 2 pm. We were going to meet Alison the Coronation Streets Publicist and Sue and Vinta the actors from Coronation Street.

I was so excited!

You have no idea what this meant to me. CORONATION STREET! Meeting the actors themselves and visiting the place where it’s actually filmed. For a Corrie fan, this was a real pinch-me moment!

We arrived, passed through security (our names were on the visitors’ list, thankfully ✔️), and were directed to reception.

Only, the reception area was the hospital!

Well, that completely threw me. I’m not particularly fond of hospitals, so walking into one wasn’t quite the welcome I had imagined!

We checked in and waited for Alison to arrive. There were lots of people passing through, including some very familiar faces and others working behind the scenes.

Then, a smiley face appeared. It was Alison, followed closely by Sue and Vinta.

Oh my goodness! Hold it together, Gail!

I do get a little overexcited sometimes, almost giddy with excitement. Meeting someone you’ve watched on television for years is such a surreal experience. You know they’re real people, of course, but there’s still that moment when you have to pinch yourself and think, “Is this really happening?”

And then things got even better!

We were lucky enough to have a tour of the Street and a peek behind the scenes. We watched filming, met other actors and had a look around the offices. It was fascinating to see what goes on beyond the familiar scenes we watch from the comfort of our sofas.

After our tour, we sat down together to talk about dementia and what life is really like for hubby and me, living with my sidekick, Alzheimer’s, in tow.

We talked openly about our experiences, how dementia affects our lives and what it means to live with the condition day in, day out. It was lovely to have the opportunity to share our perspective and hopefully help bring a little more understanding to the storyline.

We chatted and chatted, and before we knew it, it was around 5 pm!

I was absolutely exhausted, but in the best possible way. I think the excitement and adrenaline had carried me through the afternoon. Sometimes, when I’m caught up in something I love, I can almost forget about the difficulties Alzheimer’s brings. I’m simply living in the moment, enjoying what’s happening around me.

Of course, all good things must come to an end, and then came the less glamorous part of our day!

We had to wait for an Uber in the pouring rain. I was getting absolutely soaked, but do you know what? I didn’t really care!

The Uber took a while to arrive, and we only just made it back to the train station in time for our train. We literally had minutes to spare. Talk about cutting it fine!

The train was packed, too. Normally, a crowded train and all that hustle and bustle might have left me feeling overwhelmed, but not this time. I was still riding high on the excitement of the day and another wonderful experience that Dementia UK had helped make possible.

As I sit here writing this blog, I still can’t quite believe it all happened. I feel incredibly lucky and grateful for the opportunities that have come my way, and especially for the chance to share my experiences of living with dementia with people who can help bring those stories into our living rooms.

For me, it’s about so much more than meeting the actors from a programme I’ve loved for years. It’s about having a voice, being listened to and helping people understand that dementia is not the whole of who we are.

Behind every diagnosis is a person, a family and a life that continues to be lived. We still have personalities, feelings, hopes, dreams and plenty of laughter along the way.

And if sharing a little of my life with Sue and Vinta helps someone watching Corrie understand dementia a little better, then that makes the whole experience even more special.

So, from sitting on my sofa watching the familiar faces on the cobbles to actually standing there behind the scenes, talking about my own experiences of dementia, what an incredible day it has been!

Thank you, Dementia UK, for making it possible, and thank you to Alison, Sue and Vinta for such a lovely experience.

Now, I wonder what Corrie has in store for Debbie next… I’ll certainly be watching! Will You?

https://www.dementiauk.org/information-and-support/how-we-can-support-you/admiral-nurse-dementia-helpline/

Wednesday 21st October 2026

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When dementia enters a family, there are plenty of conversations about memory, medication, appointments, the scans, the diagnosis, lasting power of attorney and what the future might hold.

But there are other conversations that often remain behind closed doors.

Incontinence.

Changes in intimacy and sex.

Changes in relationships.

Embarrassment.

The loss of confidence.

The impact on a husband, wife or partner.

These are not easy subjects to talk about. They can make us feel awkward, vulnerable or even ashamed. Yet pretending they don’t exist doesn’t make them disappear.

Intimacy may change after a diagnosis of dementia. As I often say, not everyone’s dementia is the same, and the same is true when it comes to intimacy. Some people may want more closeness, while others may not want to connect at all. They may pull away, but that doesn’t mean they don’t love you; it may simply be that they have lost interest in intimacy or sexual contact because of the changes dementia has brought. Affection may shift from sexual intimacy to simply needing comfort through holding hands, cuddling, or hugging.

These changes are rarely spoken about, yet they can be deeply painful and upsetting for a wife, husband, or partner to adapt to and accept, especially if they have always shared a close and fulfilling intimate relationship.

Incontinence is another subject that brushed under the carpet, no one wants to face and accept. It’s something many people feel embarrassed to talk about, which often means they don’t seek help or find solutions that could make life much easier. There are incontinence pants and pads that can help people continue living their lives with confidence.

I wear them when I need to, and I’m not embarrassed to admit it. In fact, I can tell you this: it’s far more upsetting to wet yourself in public than it is to wear something that gives you dignity, confidence and peace of mind.

Living with dementia affects far more than memory. It can change how we see ourselves, how we relate to those we love and how our bodies work. Families often find themselves facing situations they never imagined, yet many of us don’t know who to ask…Why?…Because nobody seems to be comfortable talking about them.

Perhaps it’s time we changed that.

By speaking honestly, we don’t take away anyone’s dignity, we protect it. We replace embarrassment with understanding.

Dementia isn’t just about forgetting. It’s about navigating every part of life, including the parts that society often whispers about or avoids altogether.

The more openly we talk, the less alone people will feel.

Monday 19th October 2026

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Every now and then life throws us a curve ball, a disruption, another hurdle.

Just when we think we know which direction we are heading, something happens that makes us stop in our tracks and question what comes next.

Sometimes these hurdles are small, and we find a way around them. Other times, they hit us right in the heart, leaving us feeling lost, disappointed and unsure of which way to turn.

Recently, I have found myself facing one of those moments.

Over the past few weeks, I have put so much time, energy and emotion into something that matters deeply to me. I have spoken up, asked questions and tried to make a difference, believing that if we want things to improve, sometimes we have to find the courage to speak out.

But life isn’t always straightforward. Sometimes circumstances change, and we find ourselves having to take a step back, even when our heart is telling us that there is still more to say.

That is a difficult place to be.

When something matters so much to you, stepping back can feel like giving up. It can leave you questioning whether all that effort has been worthwhile and wondering what happens to the things you still feel need to be heard.

I am learning that life doesn’t always give us the answers we want, and we cannot always control the outcome. Sometimes we have to accept that things are no longer in our hands, even when that hurts.

But stepping back doesn’t mean we stop caring. It doesn’t erase what we have learned, and it doesn’t take away the feelings we carry in our hearts.

For now, I need to give myself a little breathing space, to let the dust settle and find my feet again.

Living with dementia has taught me that life can be unpredictable. Some days I feel strong and ready to take on the world; other days, the smallest disruption can leave me feeling overwhelmed. I have learned that it is okay to pause, to feel disappointed and to give myself time.

I don’t have all the answers today, and perhaps I don’t need to.

What I do know is that kindness matters, that people’s voices deserve to be heard, and that even when life takes an unexpected turn, we can still find reasons to look forward.

So, for now, I will take one day at a time, spend time with the people and things that bring me happiness, and remember that sometimes the bravest thing we can do is simply keep going.

Because life may throw us a curve ball, but it doesn’t get to take away our hope.

Friday 16th October 2026

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Nine times out of ten, we always have a Sunday roast, and this particular Sunday was no different.

I had prepared the vegetables and the meat was slowly cooking away in the oven. Hubby was busy in the craft room, sorting out his tools and putting up some shelves, so today the Sunday roast was my job.

Now, I have been making Sunday roasts for over 40 years. Forty years! You would think I should have this down to a fine art by now. But since dementia came along, I have struggled with bringing everything together at the same time, so hubby usually assists me.

But today, I was on my own.

Oh my goodness… I got myself into a right old pickle!

The meat was doing fine because, thankfully, I had remembered to get it out of the oven. The potatoes were cooking away nicely, but the vegetables were another story altogether… they were still sitting in cold water!

Then, just as the potatoes were fully boiled and ready for mashing, I realised I hadn’t even turned the vegetables on.

Panic!

I quickly turned the potatoes off before they turned into a bowl of mush, while simultaneously realising the Yorkshire puddings weren’t far off being ready either.

My nice, calm kitchen had suddenly turned into complete bedlam.

I was rushing around, trying to remember what needed doing next, what was already cooking and what I had completely forgotten about. I was stressed, flustered and, quite honestly, beginning to wonder if we were ever actually going to get this roast onto the plates!

The kitchen is one of those places where I really struggle being on my own now. There are just too many things happening at once. Timings, pans, ovens, vegetables, potatoes, gravy… my brain doesn’t seem to cope with having so many things to remember and organise at the same time.

Cooking, which was once such an ordinary part of life, can now feel like a minefield of disasters waiting to happen.

And then came the potatoes.

All I had to do was mash them.

Simple, right?

Apparently not.

Instead of adding a sensible little pinch of salt and pepper, I somehow managed to shake a huge amount of pepper into the potatoes.

What on earth was my brain thinking?

I stood there looking at the potatoes, which were now wearing what can only be described as a blanket of pepper, and attempted to rescue them. After a bit of scraping, I hoped I had managed to get away with yet another disaster.

Eventually, the plate of food was served.

And by this point, I couldn’t have been more stressed or upset with myself.

The meat was cooked perfectly, thank goodness!

The vegetables was definitely al dente… and that’s being kind.

The Yorkshire puddings were quite hard, very crispy and a rather deep, rich brown colour.

And the potatoes?

Well, they were passable… if you happen to like extra pepper!

Thankfully, the gravy was good.

In fact, you needed plenty of it to cover up the evidence of my disastrous Sunday roast!

But afterwards, when I thought about it, I realised something.

To anyone else, this was just a Sunday roast. A meal that millions of people probably make without giving it a second thought.

For me, it was a reminder of how much dementia can change the simplest things.

It wasn’t that I didn’t know how to cook a roast. I’ve been doing it for over 40 years. It was trying to remember all the different things that needed doing, keeping track of timings and switching between tasks that completely overwhelmed me.

And maybe that’s something people don’t always understand about dementia.

It’s not always about forgetting what to do.

Sometimes you know exactly what you’re supposed to be doing, but your brain just can’t seem to organise everything together in the way it once did.

So, was it the best Sunday roast we’ve ever had?

Absolutely not!

Did we eat it?

Yes!

Did anyone go hungry?

No!

And most importantly, I survived the Sunday roast challenge.

Although next Sunday, I think hubby might be back on kitchen duty!

And just in case you’re wondering…

There was plenty of gravy!

Wednesday 14th October 2026

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Bike Ride With a Difference…

Oh my word, I can’t remember exactly when I did this interview, but what I do remember is that it was a glorious day!

I had heard about a local project called A Lifetime of Wisdom run by Adam and Victoria and thought I would get in touch to see if they would be interested in meeting little old me and perhaps capturing some of my life story, along with raising awareness about living with early-onset Alzheimer’s.

The idea behind A Lifetime of Wisdom began with Adam’s family member, his Auntie Jeanette. As her mobility declined, she eventually moved into a care home, where it became clear just how isolating life became without regular connection, conversation and opportunities.

With a passion for creating content and, importantly, listening to people’s stories, the idea of combining trishaw rides with real conversations was born.

A Lifetime of Wisdom brings people together, giving them the opportunity to get out, enjoy the fresh air and talk about their lives while their stories are captured along the way.

And that’s where I came in, I was given the opportunity to share my story.

It was such a lovely experience. I climbed aboard the trishaw and off we went, chatting away as though we had known each other for ages. We talked about my childhood, my family, the jobs I’ve had, my experiences throughout life and, of course, my diagnosis of early-onset Alzheimer’s.

I really enjoyed talking about my life before dementia, but I also enjoyed talking about life with dementia. My diagnosis is part of my story, but it certainly isn’t the whole story.

There was something rather special about telling my story while being gently driven around on a trishaw. It was relaxed, informal and, most importantly, great fun. There was no feeling of being interviewed under bright lights with someone firing questions at me, it was simply a conversation while enjoying a beautiful sunny day outdoors in the fresh air.

And honestly… who doesn’t enjoy being driven around in a trishaw?

It was wonderful creating my story with Adam and Victoria they are such lovely people. This particular ride was extra special because it created more than just a video, it has created a conversational memory.

Sometimes we can become so focused on what people can no longer do that we forget about everything they can still share.

Our stories don’t disappear because we have dementia or we are simply getting older. Our memories, experiences, personalities, humour and the life we have lived is still part of who we are.

Projects like A Lifetime of Wisdom give people the opportunity to be heard, to connect and to share those stories, and I think that is something really special. So a big shout out to Lifetime of Wisdom

You can find out more about A Lifetime of Wisdom and watch the other stories they have created

Click the link below ⬇️

https://alifetimeofwisdom.co.uk

And if you fancy coming along for my trishaw ride, you can watch my story

Click the link below ⬇️

Watch my A Lifetime of Wisdom story

It was great fun, completely relaxed, and a wonderful way to spend a glorious day.

And yes… I would definitely get back on that trishaw again!

Monday 12th October 2026

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Living with dementia, routine can be really important to me. It gives my brain something familiar to hold on to and helps me know what I’m doing and where I’m supposed to be. So when that routine is broken for a few days, it can take me a while to pick it back up again.

Coming home from our three days in Switzerland, I found myself feeling quite strange. I was tired, both physically and mentally, but I was also still on a high from such an exciting and positive experience. My head was full of everything that had happened, the people I had met, the conversations I had had and the opportunity to share my story. It had been amazing, but it was also a lot for my brain to process.

And then I came home to a very busy week.

There was visiting my dad, which is always emotional at the moment, especially with everything that has happened around his care. Then came two days of back-to-back meetings, a radio interview and, in between all of that, I was still chasing complaints and trying to get answers about the lack of care my dad received in the care home.

It felt like my brain barely had time to catch up with one thing before something else was happening.

I found myself feeling lost and unable to function properly. Simple things seemed harder than they normally would. I knew what I wanted to do, but somehow getting my brain to organise it all felt like a completely different matter.

I think I have been chasing myself coming backwards this week, if that’s even the right saying!

There is also something strange about coming down from such a big experience. Switzerland was exciting, exhausting and emotional, and I came home feeling proud and happy about what I had achieved. Then suddenly I was back in everyday life, with appointments, responsibilities, my dad and all the things that still need sorting.

Sometimes I think people see the exciting things I get involved in and perhaps imagine that because I manage to do them, everything is easy for me.

Well I can tell you It isn’t.

I can do amazing things. I can travel, speak about dementia, sit in meetings, do radio interviews and share my story. But that doesn’t mean my brain doesn’t pay the price afterwards.

Sometimes I need time to recover.

Sometimes I need quiet.

And sometimes I simply need to get back to the things that make my world feel familiar again.

So, if I’m honest, I’m rather glad that week is over.

This week is going to be a quieter one. I need to slow everything down, get back to my usual routine, spend some time outdoors, walk with the dogs and give my brain a chance to settle. Hopefully, little by little, I’ll start feeling a bit more like myself again.

Because at the moment, I feel like I’ve been stuck on a constant spin cycle, round and round, trying to keep up with everything, while my brain is desperately looking for the stop button!

Living with dementia means I’ve had to learn to listen to my brain more. I’m still learning, actually.

I’m learning that after the highs, there can be a bit of a wobble. I’m learning that needing time to reset isn’t failure. And I’m learning that sometimes the best thing I can do is stop trying to do everything and simply give myself permission to breathe.

So this week, I’m pressing pause.

Back to routine.

Back to familiar things.

Back to a slower pace.

And hopefully, back to feeling a little more human again.

Friday 9th October 2026

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Art has become so much more than a hobby for me, it’s an outlet, a place of calm, and a way of making sense of life while living with dementia.

When my head is whizzing with confusion, picking up a paintbrush changes everything. Collecting a little paint and placing it onto a blank sheet of paper takes me somewhere quieter. In that moment, I’m not worrying about what’s for lunch, why I forgot to put the washing on, or whether I’ve missed a 10am meeting. I can simply be me.

So when I came across the Winsor & Newton Postcard Project, inviting artists from around the world to create a postcard using watercolours, I jumped at the chance.

Then my confidence disappeared.

When the pack arrived, I put it to one side. I kept wondering, Am I good enough? For days I picked it up, read the rules, and put it back down again.

Eventually I thought, why not?

Does it really matter if my painting isn’t perfect? At least I’ll have been brave enough to try.

So I painted my postcard, registered it, and posted it off. If I’m honest, I expected it to get lost in the post or disappear without a trace.

A few days later, an email arrived. They had received my artwork, and it was now being displayed in the online gallery alongside artists from across the globe.

It brought smile to my face.

I’m so glad I didn’t let self-doubt win, because sometimes the most important thing isn’t creating something perfect, it’s having the courage to create at all.

I have just learned that there will be a showcase featuring thousands of postcards from the global Art Mail community hung on the walls of the Saatch Gallery in London from

1st – 11th October, 2026

After the exhibitions postcards will be auctioned in support of Hospital Rooms, a charity Windsor & Newton proudly support.