From the 13th to the 26th August I am going to be riding the length of our beautiful country with two wonderful friends. I just hope they are still both wonderful and friends by the time we finish. This started as a joke because Peter decided he wanted another challenge, but finally we decided to give it a go. Planning has been intermittent, timing has been tricky, but we now have a route, some helpers and lastly our different causes.

I am riding for Alzheimer’s Research UK for two reasons, although there are many others. Firstly, my Granddad was diagnosed with the condition shortly before he died. In some respects we were lucky as the disease had not progressed very far by the time he passed away, but it was still a hard time for the family and so I know how this condition can affect everyone.

Secondly, I had the opportunity to study the biochemistry of the disease during my PhD in Leeds, and then as a postdoctoral scientist in Canada. Whilst I was never supported directly by Alzheimer’s Research UK, they are supporting friends and colleges that I have around the country and some amazing work is being done. (With A LOT less funding than other diseases).

There is a very great need to understand how this condition develops and to find ways to treat patients. Dementia costs the country far more than cancer or heart disease, and as the population ages this will only get worse. Alzheimer’s Research UK is the leading research charity for dementia in the UK and I would love you to help me help them.

 

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

So please dig deep and donate now.