A 46-year-old Abergavenny woman who’s terrified of flying is planning to do a wing-walk to raise funds for the Alzheimer’s Society.

Denise Quarrington’s mother Patricia was diagnosed with dementia in her mid-sixties.

Prior to the condition affecting her she was a talented artist, ‘very sporty and full of life’.

“The condition has taken away so many of the things she loved and affected those who love and care for her,” said Denise.

“Her quality of life has deteriorated to such an extent that she now relies on my dad and her carers for even the most basic aspects of her life.

“Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for the condition, so I feel that the support for sufferers and research into the disease is very important. With more and more people being diagnosed with the condition, including younger people, the need for understanding the condition has never been greater.”

Denise, who is married with one daughter, Giselle has lived in Abergavenny for the last 21 years, working with adults with additional needs for a number of years and also in the coffee shop at Waitrose in Llanfoist.

She says she has previously taken part in other fund-raising events to raise funds for the Alzheimer’s Society and will continue to do so in the future.

“My friend Tracy Guest, 55, whose family has also been affected by the condition, suggested that we looked for something adventurous and take part in a wing-walk.

“We are also being joined by Olive Dicks, 68, whose husband was diagnosed with the condition at the age of 62.

“As someone who is usually terrified of flying, I have set myself the goal of taking part in the wing-walk as a personal challenge!” said Denise.

The wing-walks are due to take place at RFC Rendcomb Airfield, Cirencester, Gloucestershire on Wednesday August 30 from 11.30am.

Denise’s main sponsors are to be Emma and Karl Stuckey of Heronhurst Windows Abergavenny. Personal donations of any amount are also welcome via her Just Giving page at Denise Quarrington’s Wing-Walk.

Other fund-raising events include a fun quiz night at My Day My Life, Laundry Place, Tudor Street, Abergavenny on April 7, where doors open at 6.30pm with the quiz starting at 7pm.

Denise says she is also seeking to help Waitrose become a dementia-friendly supermarket.