Dear Colleagues
Forgive the intrusion of this posting on this list
As some of you may know, I am a daily swimmer and at the start of this
year I set myself a target of swimming 1,500 kilometers over the course
of the year (just for the fun of it!). This is a daily average of 4
kilometers. I have been swimming this both indoors and outdoors and at
this stage of the year this daily average is challenging and I still
have 223km to go!
So, in order to keep motivated, I have decided to raise money for the
Alzheimer's Society.
Ten years ago, my dad was diagnosed with vascular dementia and he has
just gone into a care home. At that time, I don'€™t think he or anyone
in the family realised how debilitating and cruel this illness is. While
we all got used to dad forgetting things or repeating himself, we were
not prepared for the changes that occurred as his condition worsened.
Small things like being able to make a cup of tea or to be able to
identify coins, or to write his name demonstrated how parts of dad'€™s
brain were no longer functioning. In his mind, the past was more
familiar than the present as he increasingly struggled to understand
what was going on around him. Feelings of isolation and loss of control
were evident and frustration led to depression and unhappiness as he
retreated into himself. Eventually the family were no longer able to
care for him as the condition worsened and he needed 24-hour care. The
Alzheimer's Society have provided help and support and have been amazing
over time, with advisors visiting and attending meetings and sometimes
just offering comfort when family members were upset at what was happening.
If you wish to make a donation you can do so here and follow my journey
https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/jane-holgate2
Best wishes and thanks
Jane
--
Professor Jane Holgate
Professor of Work and Employment Relations
Work and Employment Relations Division
Leeds University Business School
31 Lyddon Terrace (room 2.05)
University of Leeds LS2 9JT
email: [log in to unmask]
Mobile: 07960 798399
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