Real stories

How I keep my passion for the outdoors alive after my dementia diagnosis

Patrick's big passion since childhood has been outdoor adventures.

Since experiencing a stroke and being diagnosed with vascular dementia, his life has changed in lots of ways. 

But with the support of his family and friends, Patrick is determined to stay positive and he's found a way he can keep his love of the outdoors alive.

Patrick and his wife Ronnie

What was life like before you developed dementia symptoms?

‘I was a specialist psychiatric nurse and a research analyst. I’d been doing it for about 25 years and really enjoyed it. My research work meant I was on the road a lot.

‘When I wasn’t working, walking was my passion, particularly hill climbing.

‘I used to experience some challenging situations in my work. Walking was how I got my stress out.

‘My brother got me into it. He was a bit of an adventurer and started taking me on long walks from about the age of six.

‘I’ve climbed the biggest mountains in Britain – Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon).

‘I once walked from London to Milton Keynes along the Grand Union Canal just for a laugh. A few friends said, “You’ll never be able to do that in 24 hours,” and I did it in 23 hours.’

Who were you before your dementia diagnosis? 

‘In 2021, I was out in a local park picking chestnuts with my grandson and I started to feel unwell.

‘Back at home, I collapsed. I can’t remember much after that.

‘Thank goodness my wife Ronnie was with me. I’d had a stroke.

‘I spent weeks in hospital, then a rehabilitation unit for around two months.

‘Adjusting to my new life at home was a challenge for me and my family, and my recovery was a long, slow process.

‘My eyesight and cognitive senses weren’t what they were, but I started to build my mobility back up and do regular walks.

I thought, “I’m on my way to recovery now – before you know it, I’ll be going up mountains again.”

‘My family noticed I was forgetting things and seemed distant.

‘Ronnie spoke to the hospital and they referred me to a neurologist. He didn’t sugarcoat my vascular dementia diagnosis because of my medical background.’

Who are you since your dementia diagnosis?

‘Life isn’t easy and it’s becoming more difficult to get out, but I am determined to challenge myself. Family and friends are important to me right now.

‘I want to maintain my passion for walking.

‘Last year, I came up with a special challenge to “visit” Britain’s national parks from home. With the help of a friend, I wrote postcards to all 15 and asked for a reply.

‘Staying in contact with the places I love, and the sense of progress hearing back from them, was fulfilling.

‘My latest challenge is to physically visit the 45 parks in Milton Keynes. I’ve got a couple of friends and my son to help, and a wheelchair on order.

‘I’d recommend this approach to other people living with dementia to help you feel active and involved. 

Look at the things you used to do and adapt them to what you can do now.

‘In my job, I encouraged people not to lock away or cover up their mental health problems.

‘I take my own advice now. 

‘I’m a great fan of boxers and I take inspiration from their mindset that you should never give up. I’ll keep on fighting.’