A 22-YEAR-OLD nurse from Launceston has completed the Plymouth Memory Walk in aid of Alzheimer’s Society, a cause close to her family’s heart, writes Rosie Cripps.

Twenty-two-year-old Tracey Porter, from Launceston, took part in the Plymouth Memory Walk on Saturday, September 1 to raise money for the Alzheimer’s Society — a charity that has supported Tracey, her older sister Katie and their family since their father, Micky, was diagnosed with mixed dementia six years ago.

Tracey knows just how difficult it is for both the person living with the illness, and the families directly affected by the consistent changes in the person they love.

Working as a recovery nurse at Exeter Hospital, she believes that support and a better understanding of the illness is vital — something that the Alzheimer’s Society is aiming to achieve.

Tracey and Katie had always known that their dad had had bad memory. But it was after their mother died that they noticed his memory worsen.

Tracey was sat in her A Level biology class when she received the call from Katie to tell her their dad had been diagnosed with mixed dementia.

With Katie having moved away to the north with her own young family, the family recently made the decision to move Micky into a home for permanent residential care.

She said: “Watching dad fade in front of my eyes and experiencing complete role reversal has been heartbreaking, and at times I have said it can feel like I’m grieving him whilst he’s still alive.”

However, despite the illness, the move into residential care at Springfield Care Home, North Hill, and all the changes the family have experienced, Tracey said her dad is always smiling, happy and is still committed to being the best dad and grandfather he could possibly be — as well as already being a popular resident with his new carers.

Tracey only hopes for ‘growth and transformation’ in the treatment of dementia. For her, the Alzheimer’s Society appear to be ‘transforming the landscape of dementia forever’, creating a society where those affected by the illness are well-supported and accepted.

Tracey has recently moved into a new house in Launceston with her boyfriend Mike, who has been a great support system for her during the last few years.

She said: “Mike’s been amazing throughout the whole time I’ve been with him — dad adores him and he’s honestly been my rock for the past couple of years. He used to visit dad at home and sort his meals out whilst I was at work sometimes, and he still comes to visit dad with me now.”

Both Tracey and Katie are thankful for the support they have received from their close friends — including Casey and Lucy, and the Parnell family — who have been there for them every step of the way.

The memory walk ended up being a happy, but poignant moment for Tracey — a day of ‘mixed emotions’. She said: “I was surprised how many people were there! It was full of mixed emotions, a happy event full of music, yummy food, and all the bright blue tees! But it was also sad in that dementia is this huge, and affecting so many people.”

The day started with a Zumba warm up, along with a moving speech delivered by a lady who has been diagnosed with dementia herself, getting everyone inspired and ready to go.

The main event was a 6k walk around Plymouth Hoe, with the option for a shorter walk of 2.2k. Many dementia patients also got involved where they could, being pushed around in their wheelchairs, and even dogs were taking part!

Tracey was pleased to see that participants from Launceston were also there — including old school friends Becky Sampson, Rose Burford and Steevi Thomas, creating a sense of everyone being brought together again in one amazing event.

Speaking of her sister’s achievement, Katie said: “I’m incredible proud of Tracey, and forever thankful for all the love and care she has given dad over the years, as I know it has been very hard and heartbreaking for us both.”

To donate to Tracey’s Just Giving page, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/traceandmikememorywalk