Geoff’s story

Alexandra local Geoff Moore is on ‘A walk to remember’ in tribute to his wife, Ann, who is living with Alzheimers.

The couple emigrated to Aotearoa New Zealand from the United Kingdom to be nearer to their children in Sydney and Queenstown in 2018.

Shortly after the move, about 12 months, Geoff was noticing signs of different behaviour from Ann. After managing to get her into the system, Ann was diagnosed with depression at the age of 63 which has eventually led to Alzheimers.

It has been quite a rapid progression, Geoff said the support of his community helped him keep Ann at home for a few years before she needed to be moved into aged residential care.

“You look back and think did you really do what you did? For 18 months or nearly two years, I’d have to get her clothes out – dress her as she couldn’t even do her buttons.”

While it was a tough time, he is grateful for the support of the community they had built with people often stopping by to spend time with Ann and give him a much-needed break which was ‘amazing’.

“I needed that circle of connections and friends that were prepared to spend a few hours or take her out in the car – you do need those friends.”

Although Geoff is no longer Ann’s day to day care partner, he still visits her regularly. As Ann is now bedridden and cannot feed herself, he tries to go as often as possible to feed her in the afternoon, as it is one less resident the staff have to care for.

He is also in regular touch with other men who are now looking for support as they’re in a similar position.

While he was making the adjustment to living by himself, Geoff started walking daily in the early mornings and about a year ago found out about Parkruns – a worldwide initiative encouraging people to walk or run in their local area – around the country.

From there, ‘A Walk to Remember’ was born. Fundraising for Alzheimers Otago, Geoff is challenging himself to complete three 10km walks at the Dunedin, Cromwell and Queenstown Marathons from September to November this year – sometimes with friends in tow.

At the time of writing, Geoff had raised over $5300 and had finished his second event in Cromwell alongside four friends.

“People will give if they know… the community is excellent.”

Alongside this awareness, Geoff has been raising awareness of Alzheimers in his local community through Radio Central daily and the Central App.

He is encouraging people to donate or join him for a walk to remember.

“You still have time to register or even better why not come and join us,” says Geoff.

The last 10km walk will be in Queenstown on 15 November and you can follow Geoff’s journey on his Facebook page and Give a little page.