A trip down memory lane

William’s story:

My interest in local history is something that has developed since I retired. For many years I wrote a column for my local newspaper, before venturing into writing books.

I’m 89 now and recently published my third book. The sales have been going quite well and I wanted to donate the proceeds to Alzheimer Scotland in memory of my sister, as well as the many friends I’ve lost to the illness.

Jessie lived with dementia before she passed away about 20 years ago, aged 75. We both grew up on a farm in Sanquhar, Dumfries and Galloway, but Jessie was six years older so she moved away to start her own family while I was still in my teens. But we always kept in touch and saw each other when we could.

Jessie was such a strong person who worked hard to look after her husband and three children. Life hasn’t been easy for us. We lost our father in a farm accident when I was only 16, and then Jessie herself experienced a lot of personal tragedies. But we always found a way to keep going and make the best of things.

We started noticing something wasn’t quite right with Jessie when she was in her 60s, and it was painful to see the changes in her as her dementia progressed.

At that time, dementia wasn’t always talked about much but I’m glad to see that things are changing and people are now being more open about it. That’s why I was keen to support Alzheimer Scotland, because they do such important work in raising awareness of dementia and also supporting families affected by it.

My latest book – The History of Sanquhar and Upper Nithsdale – covers a wide range of topics and is written in a way to make it more accessible to younger people.

It was a labour of love and took me more than two years to finish – but I’m pleased to be able to donate proceeds of £4,000 to Alzheimer Scotland.

I have a lot of friends now who are also affected by dementia and cases in general seem to be increasing, so it’s more important than ever to support such a good cause.