'It took away their quality of life' - tragic loss of grandparents to dementia inspired Milnthorpe vet's hike

Dr Gemma Holloway said the pain of watching beloved family members succumb to the condition had motivated her to raise as much money as possible in the fight against the UK's biggest killer.

Dr Holloway, an advanced practitioner in small animal surgery at Kentdale Referrals in Milnthorpe, will tackle Trek26, a challenging walk among the fells around Ullswater, on August 7.

Her grandmother, Barbara Pool, was diagnosed with vascular dementia seven years ago after suffering two strokes.

Her grandfather initially cared for her at home but was later diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.

“My grandma was then taken into care, which my grandpa found very difficult to deal with, and he was also taken into care for the last few months of his life," said Dr Holloway.

Mr Pool died in the spring of 2019 and Mrs Pool in December 2020.

Dr Holloway said: “Dementia is a terrible condition. It took away their quality of life, their independence and their identity.

“As time went on, they both lost precious memories and became confused and nervous of their surroundings, sometimes not recognising loved ones or being able to communicate at all.

“It’s a tragic condition that steals so much both from its sufferers and those who know and love them.

“Since signing up for this Trek26 challenge, many people have told me of similar stories within their own family.

VET: Dr Gemma Holloway

“I know that doing this trek is a small step, but I hope by doing it I’ll play a part in helping research that may one day allow us to treat or even prevent dementia.”

Her fundraiser is more than half-way to its target of £1,000.

Visit justgiving.com/fundraising/gemma-holloway3 to donate.