22/04/2026
'Over the past few years, my mum has been visiting our great aunt — Ciocia — every week at a local Polish care home, where she received end-of-life care after developing dementia. I would visit too whenever I returned home from university. Watching someone you love slowly change due to dementia is incredibly difficult, and it’s something that stays with you.
Ciocia Mila was a brave, courageous, and incredibly kind woman. She touched so many lives and was known as “Ciocia” (Aunty) to everyone — so much so that many people thought it was her real name! Her life was one of strength and resilience, growing up during the Second World War in Poland, the fled to Austria with her mother and then displaced in Italy for a while. Eventually after living in South Africa for a while she settled in London, where she worked in the International Institute of Strategic Studies, as well as doing a lot of voluntary work for Polish charity organisations.
Despite life’s challenges, she remained bright and full of spirit. Even as dementia took hold following a fall during COVID, her feisty and headstrong personality continued to shine through. She found comfort in simple things — her ornaments, photo albums filled with memories, and being surrounded by love. As her condition progressed and words began to fail her, her laughter never did. Even when she could no longer remember our names, she would hold our hands tightly, and her smile meant everything to us. She would still light up during our visits, reminding us of the wonderful person she always was.
Ciocia Mila sadly passed away this December, leaving behind many cherished memories for all who knew her. We are incredibly grateful for the time we had with her.
Through our personal experiences — both through work and recently other family members — we have seen how deeply dementia affects not only individuals, but entire families. It can be overwhelming, isolating, and heartbreaking.
That’s why we want to do something to help.
This June, my mum and I are going to be completing a Sprint Triathlon to raise awareness for dementia and support those affected by it.
We are raising funds to support dementia awareness, improve access to care, and contribute towards vital research that can change lives. Every donation, no matter how small, will help support those living with dementia and the people who care for them.
Thank you so much for your support — it truly means the world to us!'
To donate, click the link below:
https://gofund.me/902bee59c
