Chris’ story: A fundraising calendar
Keen photographer Chris describes how he was inspired to create a calendar to raise funds in memory of mother-in-law Ethel
Chris’ story
I’ve always been passionate about photography, particularly landscape and wildlife. So when I decided to raise money for Alzheimer Scotland, I had the idea to use some of the many images I’ve taken to make a charity calendar.
The 2026 calendar will be our third, and it’s all being done in memory of my partner Hilary’s mum, Ethel, who passed away in 2022 with dementia, aged 85.
Ethel was an amazing lady who was very active and independent. She loved the outdoors, gardening, playing golf, and had a great network of friends. She hadn’t had an easy time with her health over the years, but she never complained and always made the most of life.
Hilary and her mum were very close and she’d started to notice issues with her mum’s memory. Ethel was diagnosed with vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s disease in 2019 and we did as much as we could to keep her independent and in her own home for as long as possible.
The restrictions over Covid were an incredibly difficult time and Hilary moved in with her mum for a while to continue caring for her. Eventually Ethel moved into a care home shortly before she passed away.
We got a lot of advice and support throughout that time, including from Alzheimer Scotland. The work they do to support families affected by dementia is amazing and that’s what inspired us to start fundraising.
In the past two years the calendars have raised a total of £1,550 for Alzheimer Scotland and the response this year has been even better. It’s gone from strength to strength, and this year alone we’re hoping to beat that total. There’s still time to order a calendar – they’re A3 in size and cost £15 plus postage.
It’s been a joy travelling all over Scotland taking photos of our beautiful landscapes and wildlife for the project. We’ve been blown away by the support we’ve had and so grateful for all the orders so far.
It’s great to be able to give something back and I hope it can help support other families affected by dementia.
To find out more about the charity calendar and to order a copy, contact Chris at: https://www.chrisbellphotography.net/