My glamorous Mum always wore her red lippy and had the most dazzling smile at the school gates. Now she has advanced vascular dementia and is in the final stages of her life; she is unrecognisable – both physically and mentally. She is no longer the vivacious, healthy and outgoing woman she once was.

In the last conversation we had, before she lost her speech due to another TIA (mini stroke), she asked for a ‘red lipstick’. Mum never got to wear her red lipstick. Feeling hopeless I decided to try to raise a few pounds for Dementia UK to fund more Admiral Nurses. Admiral Nurses are specialist dementia nurses who help the person with dementia and their family through this very cruel, long goodbye.

So last year, I launched #redlippyday and asked people to wear red lippy, take a selfie, share on social media and donate to Dementia UK.  A huge amount was raised by generous people. I was delighted that thousands of people joined in and despite the sad situation it was a fun day.

This year, on Friday May 6th I’m asking everyone – including the men – to join in to help raise funds for more Admiral Nurses. All we have to do is wear red lips and tell our friends to join in.

Living with dementia has been the most harrowing experience of my life, and for the many people I have spoken to who have had the same experience. So, let’s celebrate the happier days when all our mums, aunts and grandmothers wore their red lippy and felt as wonderful as the film stars they emulated in their heyday. And, let’s celebrate our dads, uncles, brothers and grandfathers who appreciated them.

Get together with your loved ones, friends, colleagues, clubs, care homes, and fellow students; pop on some red lippy, take some fabulously glamorous photos, share them on social media, and donate.

Message or email me: jules.osmany@gmail.com. Your support is invaluable, thank you!