The Long Forgetting

The Long Forgetting

How can I make my time on earth matter? 

By turning my energy outwards to support others when I have capacity myself.

In 2021, my mother-in-law was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer's at age 61, a terminal illness with average life expectancy following diagnosis of ~8 years. Since diagnosis, our family has been navigating the ongoing challenges of dementia - alongside the profound and unexpected shift in expectations for the future.  

A year later, I experienced a bike accident leading to a traumatic brain injury. For months, I was reliant on others to help me navigate the world, both cognitively and physically. I had a small glimpse of what dementia is like. 

As a way to turn my energy outward, I'm going to run to raise money for people living with dementia, their families and carers. 

I'm calling this run The Long Forgetting. It reflects the uncertain journey of dementia, and how no one should have to walk it alone. I don't know how far I'll go or even where, only that it'll be a long way. I'll rely heavily on my support crew to help stay on track and keep going, just as people living with dementia rely on carers to navigate uncertainty, fatigue and disorientation. 

I'd love your support to make this happen - and more importantly, so will the people this fundraising is for. 

You can support The Long Forgetting in a few different ways:

- Pledge a donation for every kilometre I run

- Donate a fixed amount, whether it's $1 or $20,000 

- Come to Silvan Reserve or Doongalla Picnic Ground and join me for 1km (or 50)

- Be part of the support crew - hydration, nutrition, encouragement, and good vibes all welcome

All support - big or small - will help carry me forward. It'll bring you a sense of joy knowing you've contributed to other people in need. It will also directly support Dementia Australia’s vital work providing counselling, education, training, and support groups for people living with dementia, their families, and carers.

Thank you for being part of this — and for helping turn effort into care, and movement into meaning.