09/08/2026
"We miss Nan more than words can say but she lives on in us, through the generations."
Natalie's Nan, Mary, was the heart of her family. Warm, generous and always ready to welcome people in for a cuppa. When Mary died after living with Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia, her loss was felt deeply by everyone who loved her.
Mary was diagnosed at 83, though the family had noticed changes and had been pushing for a diagnosis for at least three years before that. Watching the disease take its toll was heartbreaking, but Natalie remembers her Nan not by what dementia took away, but by the love, energy and purpose she gave to others throughout her life.
Mary was passionate about seeing every generation of her family achieve their goals; giving her time, her effort, her prayers and her unwavering belief. She brought people together, co-founding a local amateur dramatics group (still going strong, 60 years on) so that meaningful, joyful moments could be shared. She was selfless, full of spirit, and left behind values that continue to guide everyone who knew her.
Inspired by Mary's example, Natalie has picked up where her Nan left off. She organises community fundraising events, takes on runs, marathons and mountain climbs, all to raise vital funds for Alzheimer's Research UK as well as smaller local charities.
Now, Natalie is honouring Mary in a new way through her podcast, The Dementia Dialogues, creating a space for people to share their experiences, raise awareness and remind others affected by dementia that they are not alone.
For Natalie, the podcast is a tribute to the woman who shaped not only her life, but the lives of so many, within the family and far beyond it. It is a way to keep Mary's memory alive, learn more about this devastating disease and give something back.
Listen to The Dementia Dialogues and hear the stories helping to honour families like Natalie's: https://www.ddpodcast.co.uk/
