Four generations of one Ross-on-Wye family are uniting to participate in Alzheimer’s Society’s Cheltenham Memory Walk – the closest event of its kind for residents of Ross.

Jeanette Neville, 53, is taking part in memory of her mum who had vascular dementia. She’s urging people to register for the event, by going to memorywalk.org.uk, to help the charity raise money for research and services.

Jeanette will be accompanied by a group of at least 20 family and friends at the walk on Sunday, October 7th. And two-year-old Jeanette’s grandson, Dexter, will be the youngest Memory Walker of the group.

Jeanette said: “Mum’s onset of dementia was very rapid. It felt as though she changed overnight. She was experiencing hallucinations and would get very angry. It was dreadful to witness.

“Mum developed a chest infection and was admitted to hospital. That’s when she was diagnosed with vascular dementia.

“As a family we all took turns in looking after mum. It felt like I was losing her bit by bit. It was very difficult to see and it made me so angry. She’d always been the one looking after others, and all of a sudden that changed. She seemed so vulnerable.”

Jess Goodwin, Alzheimer’s Society Mass Participation Events Officer said: “We’re calling on people with dementia, family, friends and teams from Ross-on-Wye, and the surrounding area, to unite against dementia this autumn. We are urging people to unite against dementia and register now at memorywalk.org.uk."See this week’s paper for more stories like this, available in shops and as a Digital Edition now.