GWlegal Climbs Snowdon To Support Dementia UK And Alzheimer’s Society
Published: 19/02/2018
More than 40 GWlegal staff members will be climbing Snowdon in April to support Dementia UK and Alzheimer’s Society.
The Gwynedd mountain is the highest in Wales, at an elevation of 1,085 metres above sea level, and the highest point in the British Isles outside the Scottish Highlands.
Team members from across GWlegal’s departments will embark on the challenge on Sunday 8th April, raising money for the great cause beforehand via a GoFundMe page and other in-house and community fundraising efforts.
The Liverpool law firm hopes to raise at least £2000.
The idea to climb Snowdon originated from, administrator, Fran Quinn.
In 2002, when Fran was five, his Grandma, Veronica ‘Ronnie’ Bird, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease at just 65. It made a dramatic impact on Fran and his family.
Here, Fran shares his family's story:
“There are three things that stick in my mind when thinking about my Grandma: humour, scratch cards and the phrase ‘prim and proper’. Growing up, my Grandma used to look after me and she could light up the room with her jokes, she’s a naturally funny person. She always used to have a scratch card, I remember sitting in the kitchen with a spoon on and a scratch card – always laughing and smiling. She was always very ‘prim and proper’, with her hair done and looking immaculate. A lot of who I am today has come from my Grandma.
“Alzheimer’s has affected my Grandma a lot over the past 7 years. All of a sudden, she couldn’t remember who people were or where she was. My Grandma slowly began to disappear. She doesn’t always recognise us. Grandma often thinks I’m my Granddad, but a younger version of him, and my mum and sister she barely recognises.
“My Granddad, Vincent, is my hero, at 81 he looks after my Grandma 24-hours a day. I will always look up to him and admire him for staying by my Grandma's side, through every second of her good and bad days.
”I am climbing Snowdon for both my Grandma and Granddad, as well as all the other families similarly affected by this terrible disease. I am delighted that my colleagues are joining me.”
Dementia UK provides specialist dementia support for families through the Admiral Nurse service. When things get challenging or difficult for people with dementia and their families, Admiral Nurses work alongside them, giving the one-to-one support, expert guidance and practical solutions people need. Anyone with concerns or questions about dementia can call the Admiral Nurse Dementia Helpline on 0800 888 6678 to speak to a specialist dementia nurse.
Alzheimer’s Society provide information and support, improve care, fund research, and create lasting change for people affected by dementia. For more information please go to www.alzheimers.org.uk or call their Dementia Helpline on 0300 222 11 22.
Help GWlegal reach its target of raising at least £2000 to support those affected by Alzheimer’s and dementia by donating at https://www.gofundme.com/gwlegal-snowdon-walk
Content correct at time of publication.