Sue Wonnacott with her mum in 1963
Sue Wonnacott with her mum in 1963
An Okehampton woman has joined thousands of determined Alzheimer’s Society supporters to raise vital funds for the UK’s leading dementia charity.
Sue Wonnacott, 60, is preparing for a tough 13-mile trek across Dartmoor on August 21 to support the Society’s vital work. Sue’s mum was only 58 when she passed away, having been diagnosed with young-onset dementia in her early 40s.
Sue will join hundreds of other supporters marching out at five locations across the UK between June and September, including Dartmoor, the Brecon Beacons and the Lake District.
Sue was diagnosed with melanoma 15 years ago. She had a lump removed from her back, but unfortunately two years ago discovered another lump which required surgery and then regular CT and MRI scans.
Sue said: ‘Following my operation I was not able to exercise for some considerable time so needed to find something to regain my fitness. I started walking a lot more and as we live on the edge of Dartmoor it was an excuse to explore more with my dog, Jess.
‘I decided to sign up to the Dartmoor Trek to walk 13 miles in August to raise funds and invited my oldest friend, Sarah, to join me. She had also lost her mum to dementia.
‘My mother was diagnosed in her early 40s which was a huge shock. She was sharp, fit, and healthy, and we never understood why it happened to her. She was so young - there was very little understanding at the time that people could get dementia in their 40s.
‘The caring duties fell mainly to my dad - to suddenly become her full-time carer when she was still in her 40s was tough for him.
‘Dad struggled. Mum was everything to him, and he was forced to watch the person he loved disappear in front of his eyes. Nobody should have to go through that.’
People with dementia have been worst hit by coronavirus in terms of deaths, both from the virus and knock-on effects of lockdown - thousands have seen their health deteriorate and mental health decline as a result of having little social contact and interruptions to essential care and support.
Derek Dodd, Alzheimer’s Society Area Manager, said: ‘We want to thank Sue, Sarah, and everyone taking part in a walking event for us. People affected by dementia need us now more than ever.
“The coronavirus pandemic has hit us hard financially, despite an unprecedented demand for our services. Money raised will help Alzheimer’s Society reach and support more people through our vital services, like the Dementia Connect support line, which has been used almost three million times in the UK since March 2020.
To support Sue, go to https://localgiving.org/charity/Okehampton/