A LAUNCESTON woman’s call for people to join her to take part in the Jurassic Coast trek to raise money for Alzheimer’s Society comes as new figures released by the charity reveal 50% of adults in the South West say that dementia is the health condition they most fear developing.

Laura Maynard, 27, will be taking part in the trek this month, and her call comes as new figures from an Ipsos MORI survey reveal that half of those aged 16 to 75 surveyed online say they most fear developing dementia.

The two-day Jurassic Coast challenge covers almost 25 miles taking in spectacular coastal scenery, from the renowned natural stone archway of Durdle Door to the beautiful circular Lulworth Cove. It is described as a tough trek, with steep inclines both up and down.

Laura has very personal reasons for choosing to support Alzheimer’s Society. She said: “When I was a teenager, my great-uncle, with whom I had a very close relationship, began to change. He was more guarded, and kept telling us the same stories and jokes. By the time I was 18, my uncle was suspicious of who people were and what they wanted, but he always made sure he gave us a bar of chocolate when we visited.

“I now know he had vascular dementia, but as a teenager the word ‘dementia’ didn’t fathom in my vocabulary, and I just thought of his behaviour as being a normal part of aging.

“When I was 22 I found myself working in a specialist dementia home, with residents at varying stages of their dementia journey. This was a job that made me laugh and cry in equal measure, and where I learnt that dementia isn’t inevitable, and it isn’t something that everyone will experience first-hand.

“I learnt most strikingly that as dementia progresses, it becomes harder for the families than for the person with dementia. I truly understand why it is often referred to as a condition where you lose people twice. It was from this that I realised this was my passion, I had found my calling as it were and I went on to train as a mental health nurse.

“I had a number of placements where I met people with dementia. I heard some incredible stories, and although I was learning the skills needed to be a nurse, the most valuable skill I learnt was one I already had, the ability to listen and see a person, not a diagnosis.

“I spent my days supporting people to do as much as they could for themselves, rather than simply doing everything for them; helping people to be themselves, and carry on doing the things they loved.

“My great-uncle, who had always been brave, became scared as his dementia progressed, robbing him of his independence. That is why I want to be able to support Alzheimer’s Society to help people living with dementia.

“Whilst I accept that that is what happened to my uncle, I will always remember him laughing as he passed us chocolate and told us jokes and stories.”

Alzheimer’s Society is the UK’s leading dementia charity. It provides information and support, improves care, funds research, and creates lasting change for people affected by dementia.

Elle Isle, Alzheimer’s Society events fundraising officer said: “Dementia is set to be the 21st century’s biggest killer and could affect us all. Someone develops dementia every three minutes and too many are facing it alone, without adequate support. We urgently need to find a cure, improve care and offer help and understanding for people affected. We’re very grateful for the support of people like Laura who are undertaking some incredible challenges to unite against dementia.”

Alzheimer’s Society is urging everyone to come together and unite against dementia. To join Laura for Alzheimer’s Society’s Jurassic Coast trek sign up online by visiting www.alzheimers.org.uk/trekking