Dementia is a term used to describe various different brain disorders that cause a loss of brain function that is usually progressive and eventually severe.  Symptoms of dementia include loss of memory, confusion and problems with speech and understanding.  Dementia currently affects over 750,000 people in the UK, and nearly 18 million worldwide. 

There are over 100 different types of dementia, the most common of which is Alzheimer’s disease.  People with Alzheimer's have a shortage of some important chemicals in their brain. These chemicals are involved with the transmission of messages within the brain.

The Alzheimer's Society has given hope and support to hundreds of thousands of people affected by dementia.  The Society’s staff and volunteers are united in the goal of building a better world for people with dementia.  By providing information, support and training, by campaigning, funding research and raising awareness, the Society exists to champion the rights of everyone with dementia and those who care for them.

My grandad and grandma both suffered from Alzheimer’s disease in the final years of their lives, and it was sad to witness the gradual mental decline of my grandparents, whom I respected and loved very much.  I would like to see more research leading to a greater understanding about dementia, so that eventually it might be eliminated entirely.   

Please support me in my attempt to raise £3,000 for the Alzheimer’s Society by running the New York Marathon on 4^th November, 2007. 

Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Alzheimer's Society will receive your money faster and, if you are a UK taxpayer, an extra 28% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you. so please follow the simple steps below and you will help me to raise even more money for the Society! 

For all of you who donate money towards this cause thank you very much.  I will keep you posted on my fundraising and training progress, and I’ll be doing a number of charity events throughout the year that will involve making a complete fool of myself in public, surely reason enough to contribute!  You’ll also get to laugh at me running, walking, and crawling around 26.2 miles of the Big Apple come November! 

Many thanks for your support.

Guy

:)