Frank’s story: Community coming together

"I first came to Caithness in 1973 and only intended to stay for two years. But then I met Moira and all my plans changed.

"We got married, had our daughters Aileen and Jo, and Moira taught in local schools while I worked in a veterinary practice in Thurso.

"I started to notice changes in her behaviour and how she coped with certain things around 2015 and in 2019 she was diagnosed with vascular dementia.

"We made a point of living as well as we could in the time we had together. We were very lucky to have a big support network of friends and family, and it was also a great help attending the Alzheimer Scotland cafes. Being able to chat to people and having that sense of community really helps you cope with the disease.

"When Moira went into a care home last year, I knew I couldn’t just sit at home feeling sorry for myself. I had always fancied walking the John O’Groats Trail so I signed up and thought I might raise a few pounds for Alzheimer Scotland too.

"The official route is 147 miles, from Inverness to John O’Groats, but I ended up walking 174 miles as I added on a couple of hillwalks.

"I’m 74 and was amazed I didn’t have any sore bits along the way. I loved every moment and I was totally blown away by the support I got. I had friends walking with me a lot of the way and finished the trail in 14 days, visiting Moira in between trips.

"The final total raised is around ￡35,500 which is just fantastic.

"Moira died a fortnight after I finished the walk. She was 74. I’ve been overwhelmed by the touching messages I’ve had from Moira’s ex-pupils and colleagues, with many of them describing how she’d mentored and helped in their careers. She also volunteered with Riding for the Disabled for more than 40 years.

"Moira was always happy to help anyone but she would do it in a very quiet unassuming way.

"I think taking on the John O’Groats Trail has really helped me cope with everything. I felt a bit of guilt when Moira moved into the home but I recognise now that they were able to look after her better than I could at home. The walking has given me something to motivate myself and to stay positive, so I’m going to keep on doing it.

"I’m also going to keep attending the Alzheimer Scotland cafes. I’d like to help people in a similar situation who may not have the support network I had. I think it’s important to be open about the disease and not to feel stigmatised by it. Being open can let the people around you understand more about what’s happening and it really helped us a lot.

"With the money we’ve raised, it’d be great to see that go towards dementia research, but I also know how vital a support network is so if it helps Alzheimer Scotland to continue their services, I think that’s very important as well."