Married at First Sight 2020‘s Ashley Irvin has returned to Instagram to reveal that her father is battling Alzheimer’s disease.
Ashley, who was paired with Troy Delmege in the marriage experiment, took to social media on July 28 following a short hiatus to share an update with her fans.
“Sorry for being [quiet] on social media and in person for the past couple of months and thanks so much for everyone checking up on me,” the 32-year-old wrote.
“It hit me pretty hard finding out my dad had Alzheimer’s, but over these past few months it’s hard to hide it or pretend it doesn’t affect myself or the family as it is getting worse.”
Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia and destroys memory and other important mental functions.
Ashley said she “wish[es she] could say it’s going to get better”.
“But sadly it’s the opposite,” she wrote.
“A massive shout out to my mum Steph as she has been so incredibly strong over the past couple of years… I cannot imagine being with someone for nearly 50 years and see them slowly forgetting all of the wonderful memories you have created over the years.”
Married at First Sight‘s Ashley Irvin reveals plans for imminent future
The former MAFS bride went on to express that she wants to “spend as much time with [her] dad while he still remembers [her]”.
“That is my priority,” she expressed. “I’m just finding it hard to juggle nursing, flying, family, friends, living in Brissy but driving to the Gold Coast… It all gets a bit much at times!
“So I just want to say thanks to everyone for all your kindness.”
Ashley said her return to social media is a bid to “create fun memories like [she] used to” and to “spread as much happiness as [she] possibly can”.
“Time is precious so appreciate every moment with your family and loved ones.”
A litany of Ashley’s followers shared their sympathies in the comment section, with many voicing their own experiences of loved ones with dementia.
“My mum has also just been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s dementia,” one user wrote. “I’m moving back from the UK to look after her as soon as I can. We have to just treasure every moment with them and remember all the good years we have had also.”
Another penned: “My mum had dementia, it’s such a cruel illness. Your beautiful family have each other’s backs and that’s the best support you can have.”
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