Wendy Clayton

Hello, I'm Wendy.

I'm retired, have a husband, three children, seven grandchildren and I play and coach bowls, which means I don't often have enough hours in the week. Certainly I never thought of volunteering. However, one Sunday after lunch I asked my daughter-in-law, Annie, about an article she'd written for the local paper. Alzheimer's Support, as the charity was then, were looking for volunteers to help with a new project, funded by Comic Relief. The first meeting was the next day and Annie suggested I 'come along'. The rest is history.

My role has the title of Memory Awareness Volunteer and involves regularly attending a local GPs surgery and library, giving advice on the differences between normal ageing and dementia and signposting those needing help in the right direction. Talking to local groups is also an important part of the work - spreading the message that early diagnosis is vital. I've visited 16 groups during the last three years, this has not only been enjoyable but also very satisfying.

I also bake and help out at fundraising events where I man the Beyond Dementia stand and chat to people about the work of the charity.

My highlights have been some very positive write-ups in the local press, a trip to Westminster as a guest of our local MP and an enlightening visit to the Trowbridge Mosque. The latter showed how other groups cope, usually with no outside help, but as one lovely lady there reminded us in no uncertain terms: 'This disease is a b..... nightmare'.

Volunteering has reminded me to listen, and to always count my blessings."