In memory of Helen North

Remembering Helen: Supporting the Journey with Dementia Forward

Thank you for visiting this page. We are raising funds in loving memory of my beautiful mum, Helen, who recently passed away.

Mum’s Story

Mum was the heart of our family, but two years ago, our world began to shift when she was diagnosed with dementia. It started small—the repeating of stories, the misplaced car keys—but it quickly grew into something much more challenging.
The woman who had always run a busy household began to find the everyday world confusing. Kitchen appliances became puzzles, cooking became a challenge, and managing medications was a constant struggle. For Mum, the hardest part wasn't just the memory loss; it was the loss of her independence. Organising her days became an uphill battle that caused her immense anxiety and upset.

A Double Challenge

Adding to the weight of Mum’s diagnosis, we realised that Dad was also living with dementia. In the beginning, they were a team, quietly compensating for one another’s gaps. But as the condition progressed, it became clear that they could no longer be each other's safety net. They needed more help than they could give each other, and as their family, I needed a compass to navigate the road ahead.

Why We Are Supporting Dementia Forward

During these incredibly difficult years, Dementia Forward was our lifeline. When I felt overwhelmed by the "business" of care, they provided a dedicated support worker who offered more than just sympathy—they gave us a roadmap.
Dementia Forward helped us by:

• Practical Guidance: Giving us real-world tips on how to support Mum’s daily needs.
• Advocacy: Guiding me through the complexities of Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA), ensuring I could be Mum’s voice in hospital visits and financial matters.
• Expert Insight: Helping us understand the different types of professional care so we could make the best, most informed decisions for Mum’s well-being.

Dementia Forward doesn’t just support the patient; they support the family. While I didn't get the chance to attend their relative support groups, I know how vital those spaces are for people feeling isolated by this disease.

Our Goal

We want to ensure that other families facing a dual diagnosis or the heartbreaking progression of dementia have the same professional, compassionate support that we did. Every penny raised in Helen’s name will go directly to Dementia Forward to help them continue their incredible work.
Thank you for your love, your memories of Mum, and your generosity.