’No one can prepare you for it, and no one realises how much it will affect you until it happens to your family and you’ve lived it.’

Those are the sobering words of an extraordinary teenager whose family has dealt with the difficulties of dementia first hand.

Caitlin Mackie, aged 15, is approaching her final GCSE exams in Year 11 at St Ninian’s High School, Douglas.

Alongside preparing for her exams, Caitlin has also created the Manx Dementia Support Group which aims to help families affected by dementia and to raise money for local charities which provide much needed help for patients and their families.

Caitlin told the Manx Independent that her grandfather recently died after suffering from vascular dementia while her grandmother is living with Alzheimer’s disease.

She said: ’I don’t think anybody understands who hasn’t been affected by dementia how difficult it is, not only for the person, but also their families.

’And I think there isn’t enough support for families so that’s why I’ve set up the group, even if it just to give people someone to talk to, it is someone who will know what they’re going through.’

Her mum Melissa agreed with Caitlin and added that she thinks there ’isn’t enough support for families, but I know that we didn’t realise how difficult it was until it affected us’.

To kick start her fund raising Caitlin has organised a coffee morning in Onchan Parish hall.

As well as serving up hot drinks and cakes, she has organised for stalls to sell produce, a raffle with some big prizes, a bottle stall and games.

Caitlin added: ’Dementia is just horrible and no one can prepare you for it, everyone has their own experiences and handles it differently, I’ve learnt to organise myself around my school work and how to cope.

’We’d love to see other families who have experienced dementia, and anyone else who wants to support us to coming along.’

The event runs from 11am to 2pm on Saturday, April 13 in Onchan Church Hall at the top of Royal Avenue.

Entry costs £1 for adults and 50p for children.

All funds raised are being donated to the Alzheimer’s Society.

For more information search Manx Dementia Support Group on Facebook.