If you asked me just a couple of years ago what charities I support or have supported, mainly I would answer- anything to do with children. Why? I am a Mum. Through my love for my children, I have learnt to be selfless and reached the deepest levels of empathy.
This time around, fundraising and supporting the Alzheimer’s Society feels different. It became a part of healing, finding a new way forward and coming to terms with the passing of a loved one. Every step in the fundraising effort also helps me move closer to closure, finding peace and the ability to turn sorrow into a silver lining. It became a vital lifeline for my mental health, which, honestly took a big hit not so long ago.
So I started running. Oh, it was difficult. Sometimes I felt like a T-Rex, the earth shook beneath my feet, sometimes like Bambi taking its first steps… I carried on regardless, I had a reason. I’d tell myself that one day I’ll run a marathon with a big banner saying Dementia Sucks. I imagined the crowds, the cheers to keep going. And so I made it to a place where the fundraiser became the backbone of my weekly runs. I’d lie if I said it became easy though!
My run this morning felt different. I made sure my blue #MemoryWalk t-shirt was ready. Instead of “I have to go for a run“, the effortless “I want to go for a run” was bursting out of me! The steps felt lighter, and the distance was far from overwhelming. I knew why I was there and with that, I felt closer to the charitable cause and to my experience with Dementia. Most importantly, however, I felt proud that I have found the strength to turn trauma and family grief into positive action. I have learnt that helping others helps us too. Seemingly a simple concept, but it took me a while to really understand it. Glad I had the privilege to do so.
Agata
https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/agata-davies-and-family
Agata Davies 