Martin was diagnosed with PCA in 2016, prior to diagnosis he had been working as a Personal Care Assistant with folk with dementia. Since his diagnosis, he has become heavily involved in meaningful Co Research and has been a Co-applicant and involved with SPIN-D from its beginning.
The SPIN-D Rural and Coastal Interest Group is close to Martin’s heart, he co-chairs the group and invests significant energy in improving things for people who can be forgotten and he has written the article below for inclusion in the SPIN D Newsletter:
In the 90’s I remember taking two weeks off work to help my brother, a hill farmer, with the lambing. Yes, many a time I’ve had an arm inside a ewe in order to help with the birth of a lamb. Pre Foot and Mouth disease so no hygiene. An unforgettable experience of joy. My brother summed up the solitude of farmers when I asked why he had absolutely no curtains in the house; “ Why bother?, I’m up before dawn, don’t get to bed until dark, and there is no one for miles”. This shows the isolation of many rural dwellers that creates all sorts of logistical problems.
I’ve always had an affinity with the countryside. Now I live in a small village of 500 folk. My dementia precludes me from living in a town let alone a city as the constant noise of traffic etc would overwhelm my senses. The loudest noise here is the soothing sound of the sea, except when a car passes, once an hour. A heatwave is 23c as we always have a breeze, or a gale in winter. Being a small village, everyone knows everything about you, so I know I’m in safe hands.
Yes, it is idyllic, however there are many issues. 20% of the UK population (2018 census) lives rurally; 10 miles or more from a town of 10,000+. Coastal is defined as living within a kilometre of the coast. I fit both; 100 yards from the cold North Sea and 45 minutes from Aberdeen. Mileage might sometimes sound small but often it is single track roads which slows you down.
The SPIN-D Rural and Coastal Group has been formed this year I would say it is a very positive outward looking group; we have had two training webinars around public involvement already. I am also invested in a Farmers Group too but to be honest, I don’t think the Farmers Group Faye and myself are running would have worked without the larger group’s support, if only because it made me realise the paucity of contacts so I went out and created my own, which are proving invaluable”
spindementianet.org 