Week 4

💜 Week 4 of the Dementia Australia Crunch Challenge 💜

Week 4 is done, with my personal tally reaching 1,170 crunches. There have been plenty of "oohs" and "aaahs" along the way, but with just two days left, I'm determined to finish strong.

This week has reminded me that this challenge is about so much more than counting crunches.

I've had the privilege of spending time with a beautiful person living with dementia. Watching the changes over the past year has been heartbreaking, but it has also taught me something invaluable.

I've learned that no two days are the same.

Some days are filled with smiles and conversation. Other days bring confusion, frustration, or exhaustion. Dementia doesn't follow a timetable, and neither do the emotions that come with it.

It's shown me that people living with dementia don't just need our support. They need our compassion, patience, understanding, and kindness.

Sometimes the greatest gift we can give isn't having the right words. It's simply slowing down, meeting them where they are, and helping them feel safe, respected, and valued.

As I continue crunching in memory of my beautiful sister-in-law Lucy and my dear friend Jimmy, I'm reminded that every crunch is a small step towards raising awareness for a disease that touches so many lives.

If you're able to spare even $5, I'd be incredibly grateful if you could support Dementia Australia through my fundraising link below. Together we can help ensure that no one has to face dementia alone.

💜 Every crunch counts. Every conversation matters. Every act of kindness matters 

Week 3

💜 Week 3 Dementia Australia Crunch Challenge Update 💜

Another week done and dusted!

Dementia Australia target: 580 crunches
My tally: 1,160 crunches ✅

No days off. Not even for birthday celebrations.

As my 56th trip around the sun came to an end, it was really just another day. Another day to move. Another day to remember. Another day to make every crunch count.

And it got me thinking...

Does dementia take the day off?

Sadly, no.

Dementia doesn't pause for birthdays, holidays, or family celebrations. It doesn't take weekends off or allow loved ones to catch their breath. Every day, people living with dementia and those who care for them face challenges most of us can barely imagine.

That's why I keep crunching.

I'm doing this challenge in memory of my beautiful sister-in-law Lucy and my dear friend Jimmy, but also for the thousands of Australians and their families currently walking this journey.

There have been sore muscles, moments of doubt, and plenty of laughs thanks to my little moko, who still thinks Nan doing crunches is highly entertaining! ❤️

But the biggest lesson I've learnt is this:

If dementia doesn't take the day off, neither will compassion.

If you can spare as little as $5, I'd be so grateful for your support. Every donation helps Dementia Australia provide education, advocacy, and support to those who need it most.

Together we can make sure no one has to face dementia alone.

💜 For Lucy
💜 For Jimmy
💜 For every family touched by dementia

Week 1

June is Dementia Awareness Month, and this year I've decided to take on the Crunch Challenge.

But I've never been very good at doing things by halves.

I've doubled my daily goal because this challenge is personal.

I'm completing every crunch in memory of my beautiful sister-in-law, Lucy, and my dear friend, Jimmy. Both were taken far too soon by dementia, a disease that slowly steals memories, independence, personalities, and precious moments with loved ones.

Dementia doesn't just affect the person diagnosed. It impacts families, friends, carers, and entire communities. It changes conversations, relationships, and futures.

Every day this month, when my muscles start to burn and I feel like stopping, I'll be thinking about Lucy's smile, Jimmy's friendship, and the countless families currently walking this difficult journey.

Each crunch represents awareness.
Each crunch represents support.
Each crunch represents hope.

As someone approaching 57 years young, I know the importance of staying active, looking after our physical health, and supporting causes that matter. This challenge is a reminder that small actions, repeated consistently, can make a real difference.

I'd love for you to join me.

You don't need to do crunches. You can walk, cycle, swim, donate, share information, or simply start a conversation about dementia. Every action helps shine a light on a disease that affects so many Australians.

Together we can raise awareness, support research, and honour those we have lost.

For Lucy.
For Jimmy.
For every family affected by dementia.

Let's keep moving, keep talking, and keep fighting for a future where fewer families experience the heartbreak of dementia.