Gale Hopper

In memory of my father, Denny, I'm raising money for the 433,300 Australians living with dementia.

Over eight years we watched my dad, Denny, slip away.  

He went from being a strong, resourceful and independent person to someone who couldn't remember where his bedroom was or how to feed himself.  He went from being a confident group leader in the SES to being too scared to go out in the rain because he thought he might drown. Someone who always stood up for the underdog, he became the one who needed help with everything - even being reminded to lift his foot so he could put his shoes on. 

When my husband died, there was no reaction from my dad. No “I’m sorry,” no hug - just a blank stare, like I’d said, “Today’s Tuesday.”

The last few years of Dad’s life were heartbreaking as each day we lost more of the person he once was. On 3rd October last year, we lost him all over again when he lost his battle with Alzheimer's Disease.  My sister and I were with him when he passed and although there was some comfort in knowing he was no longer suffering, there was still the pain and heartache that comes with losing a parent.

On Saturday, 6 June, I'm taking part in my fifth Memory Walk & Jog to raise funds to support Australians affected by dementia and I would love your support.

While it is too late for my dad, I want to make a difference for others so hopefully, one day, no one has to suffer the indignity that comes with dementia, or the heartache loved one’s experience as they lose a little bit of someone special every day.

Please consider donating to support my efforts and help us reach our goal to beat dementia.

Dementia is Australia's leading cause of death. Currently, more than 430,000 Australians live with dementia and 1.5m people are involved in their care- many of them family members. By 2058 it's expected that over 800,000 Australians will be living with dementia.

All the money I raise will support the work of Dementia Australia and help provide vital support services like counselling, support groups, education (I personally found these to be invaluable), and research to help find a cure.

Together we can make a difference - and your donation would mean the world to me.

Memory Walk - Gale Hopper or copy and paste https://www.memorywalk.com.au/fundraisers/galehopper/redcliffe

Thank you so much for your support!