Dear friends,

This is the first time I've done anything like this, taking a risk both in terms of getting fit enough to walk the four peaks, but also the challenge of fundraising.

Like so many people, my mother has been on a long haul journey with a form of dementia since 2004.I can honestly say it has turned my life upside down, especially since moving her to Brighton in 2006 and feeling responsible for her care. My mother is at the end stage of the disease now, is safe and calm and well looked after in a nursing home in Brighton.

Things haven't always been so easy and the Alzheimer's society has been an amazing support for me at times when I've felt I've been groping around in the dark.

I'm in a position now to be able to give something back for the support I have received, both as a way of honouring my mother and also to give something so that other people can benefit.

An email from the Alzheimer's society popped into my inbox, - "Lake District Four Peaks Challenge" and I was grabbed by it. My mother and father were both keen walkers and would have been up for the challenge. It's a tough three day hike in June, for which I cover all of the costs. On top of this I'm aiming to raise a minimum of £450 which will go directly to the charity. I'm not great at asking for money, especially in this economic climate, but would be touched if you are inspired to make a donation, however small.

My daughter and her friends started the ball rolling by carol singing before Christmas.

with very best wishes and thank you for taking the time to visit the site.

love Catherine

ps Just giving is a secure way of making payments. your details won't be sold on nor will you receive any unwanted emails. I'm also happy to receive cheques made out to Alzheimers society.