When the repetition became more noticeable a referral to the memory clinic confirmed our worse fears and Mam was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in July 2009.

Medication gave us precious time and it was only in the last couple of years before her death that the disease robbed us of much of the woman she was. 

There were always glimpses of her character however from the cheeky grin when she knew she’d done something she shouldn’t, the ratling of the tea cup that meant she’d like a refill or the heartfelt ‘love you too’ as you tucked her up in bed and said goodnight.