THE family of a woman diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s disease are raising funds for one of the charities which supports sufferers.

Helen Robinson, along with her three children, Megan, Ben and Jack, her brother, Richard Dawson and sister Julie Dawson, took part in the Humber Bridge Glow Walk in aid of the Alzheimer’s Society.

Their mum Jill was diagnosed with the disease three years ago at the age of 64.

Helen said: “We were told at the time that because she was young and otherwise fit and healthy, it could be a long time before she deteriorated. In reality the deterioration we saw in her was quite rapid.

“People who have never experienced close hand what Alzheimer’s does to a person think that it is just a case of forgetting things - I have found that to be the easy part this time around.

“What has been the hardest part is the total change of personality.”

Helen said her mum had become angry and violent and last August had to be sectioned for her own safety.

“Having to coax her into the ambulance and then walk away was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do, alongside trying to explain what was happening to my children who all adore their nanny and miss her every day,” she said.

“Mum is now in a care home and we visit her as often as we can. I feel angry that my children have had their nanny taken away from them way too early. I also feel terrified about what the future holds.

“Alzheimer’s has robbed me of my nan and mum, I cannot bear the thought of it robbing my children of their nanny and mum as well.

“We need to find a cure for Alzheimer’s before our children are old enough to be affected and we appreciate any donations.”

Anyone who would like to make a donation can do so at justgiving.com/fundraising/mw529727