Gemma Illingworth († 31) from Manchester began to feel the first signs of dementia when she worked from home during the pandemic. Unfortunately, three years later, she died. Her siblings Ben (34) and Jess (29), along with her best friend Ruth Politt (32), recently graduated from the London marathon to her memory, writes.
Gemme was diagnosed in 2021 by posterior cortical atrophy (PCA) – a rare form of dementiathat affects parts of the brain responsible for the processing of visual and spatial information. This disease has caused Gradually, she lost the ability to see, move independently, speak, take food and swallow.
During Lockdown, her condition worsened significantly – she couldn’t look at the computer screen and had to end up working. “She had no idea what was happening to her. She thought she could live a normal life, but it wasn’t possible. After the diagnosis it was just one direction. She lived completely normal within 27 years. And now she’s gone,” He told her Brat.
Gemma had an active and independent life before the disease. She studied at the art school in Leeds and London Metropolitan University. She also worked in New York and London, and later moved back to Manchester to be closer to her family. At the beginning she lived alone, but gradually needed more and more help – first from the roommate, later from her parents who had to help her with everyday things.
Gemma died at home, surrounded by family, November 27, 2024. Five months after her death, Ben, Jess and Ruth set up a London marathon that they planned for a long time. In addition to the marathon, they also organized other charity events. So far, they have collected more than £ 47,000 for The National Brain Appeal and Rare Dementia Support (RDS).
“They couldn’t cure Gemm, but they helped us go through this period as best as possible. We want to help other families like ours,” added Ben.
