A young carer who looked after his Dementia-stricken mother when he was just a schoolboy has told of the devastating impact of the disease.
Ross McNamee was only 13 when his ‘best mate in the world’ and mum Angie was diagnosed with vascular Dementia and young onset Alzheimer’s in her 40s.
The 27-year-old DJ, from Stepps, who has now raised £136k for research into the illness, told the Daily Record how it has had a massive effect on his life.
He said: “My mum was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and Dementia in her late 40’s. It was devastating because she had so much more life to live and her diagnosis forced me to grow up when I was only 13.
“The past few years have been the hardest thing in the world because her illness has robbed me of even having so much as a conversation with her, but I’ll be forever grateful for everything she’s done for me and she was and always will be my best mate in the world.
“So a few years after she got ill, I took time off work so I could spend more with her.
“When I went back to work, I took a job in a care home because I wanted to learn more about Alzheimer’s and how to cope and care for my mum.
“I wanted to make life as comfortable as possible for her.
“I learned a lot from my mum and I take a lot of my characteristics from her, so I’ll always have memories of the person she was before her illness.
“She would make everyone laugh and smile everywhere she went. She would light up every room she walked into and she was one of a kind.”
“Having to deal with this so young made me appreciate everything in life so much more – especially the memories I have with her. Those will stay with me forever.”
Ross cares for his Angie, who used to run her own salon,alongside his dad, Rob and older brother Callum.
He continued: “Me, my Dad and big brother care for my mum and we have support throughout the day from carers. My dad is her main carer and deserves every plaudit that ever comes his way.
“He is a real-life hero and I’ll never ever be able to thank him enough for how he looks after her. He’s an absolute legend of a guy.”
Alzheimer’s disease is most common in people over 65, and the risk increases with age.
Following his mum’s early diagnosis, Ross has been a committed supporter of Alzheimer Scotland, raising a whopping £136,000 for the charity and dedicating his efforts to his mum.
Speaking about his charity work, he said: “I started fundraising for Alzheimer’s Scotland about six years ago now.
“From the day I started fundraising, I’ve been surrounded by the best mates I could ask for. They go above and beyond to raise as much as possible each year.
“So far we have raised £136,107 and counting. Initially we raised funds by joining the Glasgow Memory Walk, which is organised by Alzheimer’s Scotland. It then inspired us to set our own challenges.
Now, we’ve completed Ben Nevis twice, the West Highland Way twice, the Great Glen Way and most recently The Wicklow Way in Dublin.
“I really enjoy these challenges, as being a carer for my mum, I feel almost helpless at the best of times. Fundraising gives me a sense of giving something back, which is a great feeling.”
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