Wirral nurse to run Mersey Tunnel 10K inspired by her mum’s journey with young-onset dementia

A dementia matron at Wirral University Teaching Hospital is taking on the Mersey Tunnel 10K to raise funds after being inspired by her mum’s dementia journey.

Jenine Kelly, 41, who lives in New Brighton and works as the Dementia Matron at Wirral University Teaching Hospital, is raising funds for the Trust’s WUTH Charity to help patients who are living with dementia.

Her mum, Mandy, was diagnosed with young-onset dementia, in 2021, at the age of 59. At the time, she was still working, driving and playing an active role in the lives of her children and grandchildren.

“We were very close,” Jenine said. “She was a nurse, a mum and a nan who did everything for everyone else. Dementia was the last thing any of us expected.”

The early signs were easy to miss. Forgetfulness, changes in behaviour, struggling with familiar tasks. Like many families, they found it difficult to accept that something serious could be wrong.

Jenine said: “Even with my healthcare background, you never want to admit it. I kept thinking that she was too young for this.”

Following her diagnosis, Jenine’s mum gradually lost aspects of her independence. Giving up her driving licence was particularly difficult, followed by having to stop working on ill-health grounds.

“Driving meant freedom for her,” Jenine said. “It meant being able to pick the children up, to be independent. Losing that was huge.”

Over time, her mum’s condition deteriorated rapidly. She can no longer live independently and is now in the advanced stages of dementia.

Jenine said: “Dementia doesn’t just affect the person who has it. It affects the whole family. You grieve for the person they were, while still caring for the person they are.”

Jenine has worked at Wirral University Teaching Hospital for 23 years and as the Dementia Matron she supports patients living with dementia and their families, many of whom are experiencing the same shock and uncertainty she knows first-hand.

She said: “I see families at the very beginning of their journey. They’re frightened and overwhelmed, and often there isn’t one person they can turn to for support. I wanted to be that person.”

Funds raised through Jenine’s 10K will be used entirely to enhance dementia care within the hospital setting, helping to make hospital stays calm, kind and supportive for patients and families.

A key aim is the development of a dedicated dementia café within the hospital, which would be a quiet, low-stimulation space where patients living with dementia and their families can spend time together away from busy wards.

“Hospital environments can be noisy and confusing,” Jenine said. “For someone with dementia, that can be frightening. A dementia café would provide a calm, familiar space where people can sit together, have a cup of tea, talk, or simply be present with each other without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.”

The fundraising will also support practical initiatives on wards, including dementia activity boxes to help with meaningful engagement, reduce anxiety and provide comfort during hospital stays. These resources help staff tailor care to the individual, supporting dignity, communication and wellbeing.

“Small things can make a huge difference,” Jenine said. “Having something familiar to focus on, or a quiet space to go to, can help reduce distress and make a hospital experience feel more human.”

Janelle Holmes, Chief Executive at Wirral University Teaching Hospital, said: “Jenine’s fundraising is incredibly powerful because it comes from such a personal place. Her experience as both a daughter and a nurse gives her a deep understanding of what families affected by dementia are going through.

“The money raised through this challenge will help us continue to improve how we care for patients living with dementia, creating calmer, more supportive environments and ensuring families feel understood and supported during what can be an incredibly difficult time.

“I’d like to thank Jenine for turning her personal experience into something that will make a real difference for patients and families across our hospitals.”

Jenine also hopes her fundraising will help challenge public misconceptions around dementia.

She said: “It’s still seen as something that only affects very elderly people. My mum was 59 when she was diagnosed. Dementia can affect anyone, at any age. We need more understanding, patience and kindness.”

All funds raised will support dementia patients and families at Arrowe Park and Clatterbridge hospitals through WUTH Charity, helping to create more dementia-friendly environments and improve experiences of care.

People can support Jenine by donating via her JustGiving page or for information about fundraising for WUTH Charity, people can contact the charity team at wuth.charity@nhs.net.

Just Giving Page: https://www.justgiving.com/page/jenine-kelly-1?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL&utm_campaign=020