Lead the way on Memory Walk (From Croydon Guardian)

Lead the way on Memory Walk

3:39pm Thursday 21st September 2006 in News By Sami Mokbel

"When Janet was diagnosed with Alzheimer's it was like I had just been hit by a hammer," an emotional John said, "You honestly don't know what to say."

When Janet was told she had Alzheimer's in 1999 John dropped everything to dedicate his life to caring for his wife of 44 years.

Mr Weston vividly recalls the moment that changed his life forever.

"Janet used to be a secretary but she gradually started forgetting things. One day I just realised something was wrong because she did have a really good memory.

"We had to go to Mayday Hospital so Janet could have tests. I will never forget when the nurse came out and told me Janet didn't do very well. I remember asking the nurse, Has she got Alzheimer's?' When I got the answer I was in shock."

Since that day Mr Weston has transformed himself into a model of domestication, cooking, cleaning, shopping and ironing.

But the retired Daily Telegraph compositor's new household skills are just the tip of the iceberg.

He said: "My life has changed drastically since Janet was diagnosed, but what can we do? I can't really go out and have a drink down the pub or do little everyday things I used to - I have to be with her all day, every day.

"Janet is still alert but there is a lot of things she can't do so I need to be with her round the clock to make sure she is alright."

Despite the Weston's problems, 75-year-old John refuses to be to downbeat about how much their life has changed.

"We used to go on holiday a lot together but we can't really do that now because Janet doesn't always feel comfortable in unfamiliar places. Our Christmases have really changed - last year was the first that we didn't put up any decorations, I don't really see the point.

"But what can you do? I suppose it's not that bad, there is always going to be someone who is worse off than us. My philosophy is, don't worry about things you can't do anything about."

John, who has completed an eight-week carers course in conjunction with the Croydon branch of the Alzheimer's Society, said it was an honour to start this year's Memory Walk.

"Our lives have been very difficult over the past few years, but we still have a lot to be thankful for. We still have each other."

l The Alzheimer's Society's Memory Walk is taking place on Sunday, September 24, from 2pm-4pm. For more information call 020 8662 5955.