AN Oakworth woman has paid an emotional tribute to her late dad.

Michelle Jackson took part in an Alzheimer’s Society Leeds walk in his memory.

Brian Boocock, who had mixed dementia, died in October last year, aged 75.

Michelle, 43, was amongst around 1,600 people who signed up for the Memory Walk, at the Temple Newsam estate.

She was joined on the walk by a close friend, Trish Lyons, whose father has dementia.

Routes of 2.5 or six kilometres were on offer, and in total over £138,000 was raised in support of the society's work.

Michelle says her late dad's dementia also had a huge impact on her mother, Barbara, who's 71.

"Mum was constantly tired because dad was often up all night," she says.

"He just didn’t know the difference between daytime and nighttime. It left her feeling exhausted.

"But she wanted to be his main carer and for him to be at home. She promised him that she would do everything she could to prevent him from going into a care home.

"She looked after him for six years after his diagnosis, and it was only necessary for dad to go into care in November, 2021. Sadly, he passed away in October last year.

"Being his main carer had a huge impact on mum. As a family, we helped when we could to give her some respite, but I know that a lot of the time she felt trapped.

"There needs to be more support and funding for people affected by dementia. I don't feel that the Government does enough."

One in three people born in the UK will develop dementia in their lifetime, and data indicates that currently around 900,000 people have a form of the condition.

The Alzheimer’s Society says money raised from the Leeds Memory Walk will go towards funding research and supporting people living with the condition.

Natasha Mort, the society's regional manager, says: "We are in awe of our incredible fundraisers, who turned out in force to support people living with dementia.

"It was extremely moving to see so many people come together to honour or remember their loved ones. Every pound raised from the Leeds walk will make a huge difference.

"I'd like to say a big 'thank you' to everyone who helped make this year’s walk such a brilliant success."

For more about the Alzheimer’s Society or to donate, visit alzheimers.org.uk.