Our Dad was diagnosed with mixed vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s in 2017 which turned our world upside down. The disease was a contributing factor to the loss of a great man, with a heart of gold, who would do anything for anyone.

The Alzheimer’s Society provided amazing support during this time. They helped Dad maintain independence and pride with their befriending service and gave us much needed support with practical information and services to help him live well with dementia.

We will be looking to do a number of fundraising activities in an attempt to hit our target, here's what we've got planned so far with more to be added through the year as plans progress

• COMPLETED! 1 Feb - 20 March - Louise will be walking 850,000 steps for 850,000 people living with dementia, finishing this challenge with a memory walk as part of the Alzheimer's Society memory walk challenge on 20 March. Due to lockdown the steps be made up of a combination of walks around local footpaths and indoors on the treadmill. Progress will be recorded using AppleWatch / AppleHealth and regular updates will be shared!
  
• COMPLETED! 10 March - would have been Dad's 78th birthday. To mark the occasion Michael and friends will be doing a "Walk About for Woodsy" a 24h non-stop walk which also aims to raise awareness of walking about, one of the common symptoms of dementia and something our dad was known for. Luckily Dad's wandering never caused him any harm but he was often found walking along busy roads with no footpaths
• POSTPONED 27 April - 30 April - Michael, AJ, Ben and Matthew will be cycling Scotland's North Coast 500. Starting and finishing in Inverness this challenge sees the cyclists averaging 125 miles per day. The route climbs over 32,000 feet with the majority of this between miles 60 and 360 but it's by no means flat for the rest of the challenge!
• COMPLETED! 5 June - Michael and Louise with special guests Michelle and Carl will be taking on the Alzheimer’s Society Trek26 London.  Starting at Vauxhall Gardens this is a circular 26 mile trek around the capital.
• COMPLETED! 24 July - 25 July - Louise and Carl will be taking on the South West Coast-to-Coast 102km challenge. From Minehead to Dawlish this 2 day challenge takes on the ups and downs of Exmoor and the meandering Exe Valley in between - 102km and 2090m climb.
• COMPLETED! 21 August - we will be hosting “Jeff WoodStock” at Dad’s local pub. An evening of fun, music and entertainment. More details soon
• POSTPONED 26 September - Louise is going to be jumping from 10,000 feet and free-falling at over 120mph in a tandem skydive as part of Alzheimer's Society Skydive day. Carl is questioning why anyone would jump out of a perfectly good plane!
• COMPLETED! 1- 3 October - Michael will be joined by AJ and supported by others as they Paddle & Pedal to Virgin Money London Marathon 2021.  Starting in Amblesdie, Lake District- they will begin their journey with an 11 mile canoe of Lake Windermere, finishing in Newby Bridge. From here, they will embark on a c.210 mile bike ride to London where they will join thousands of others and run the iconic 26.2 mile course and cross the finish line on The Mall!
• And more to be planned....

Alzheimer’s Society is transforming the landscape of dementia forever. Until the day we find a cure, we will create a society where those affected by dementia are supported and accepted, able to live in their community without fear or prejudice.