What is the Alzheimer's Society?

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.

https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/

The challenge

980 miles over 9 days from the bottom to the top of the mainland UK, 7th-15th September 2019.

https://www.rideacrossbritain.com/

Why?

We have (foolishly) decided to do this epic cycle ride, which will be very tough, to support the Alzheimer's Society.  This disease has and continues to affect us personally, so we've chosen this very important charity to support.  Simon's dad / James's grandpa, Frank, suffered and died of complications arising from Alzheimer's 4 years ago, having deteriorated over a 4 year period prior to that. James's other two grandparents are both at different stages of the disease, with Brenda in a nursing home, and Maurice struggling with daily living.  It is a debilitating disease, and affects so many people these days. We want to make a difference and support the research, but also to support the incredibly valuable work that the Society does for those who suffer today and which we have as a family benefited from in one way or another.

This disease and other causes of dementia affects millions in the UK and worldwide so we decided, why not suffer a little (and hopefully get fit in the process) for a great cause.

Please give generously and massive thanks in advance!

What could your money achieve?

£11 could pay for a person with dementia and their carer to attend one of their Dementia Cafés. 

£30 could fund one of their Side by Side services for one hour, pairing people with dementia with volunteers so that they have the support they need.

£50 could fund the equipment a dementia researcher needs for a day to
investigate ways to improve care and treatment for the condition.

£150 could fund one of their National Dementia Helpline Advisors to provide 10 hours of crucial support to those affected by dementia on the phone, over email, through webchats and via social media.

£1,000 could pay for an experienced Dementia Support Worker to support a family affected by dementia for an hour a week for an entire year. By having regular contact time with a Dementia Support Worker.

£2,080 could pay to run Talking Point for a week, ensuring that people affected by dementia have a place to share concerns and experiences through our online discussion forum, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

£3,300 could pay for brain scanning equipment to detect changes in the brain caused by Alzheimer’s disease, in the hope of finding an affordable, non-invasive test to diagnose the condition.