This was in the later stages of my mother’s dementia. I was given love and support from my family and friends, which gave me courage to keep going. But the truth was I needed some other kind of support. There were many times I wanted to scream, to cry, to shout. My frustration, helplessness and even anger stayed hidden, unspoken in my head. The pain of watching a loved one die slowly. To see their personality change, their illness destroy their memories is so desperately sad, yet more and more of us are having to cope with just that. What I wanted and needed more than anything was to be able to talk about what I was feeling with others who were also experiencing coming to grips with emotions that were constantly changing.

Now five years on I am strong and want to help by starting a support group in Hungerford and surrounding villages. A support group where you can speak and share your honest feelings in a safe environment, and in total confidence, without criticism or judgmental attitudes.

HELP me start such a group, not only for people who are coping with dementia in the family, but with all problems be they terminal or a need for respite.

Please contact Esther Fairfax on 01488 683609 at 25a Park Street, Hungerford, RG17 0EF