What am I doing?

On Saturday 13^th May, I am fundraising for The National Brain Appeal by taking on the Jurassic Coast Ultra Challenge, walking 25km with a goal of completing it in under 5 hours. The route is very challenging and includes coastline, rocky terrain and an elevation of 570m. I am a newbie in the hiking world and have never attempted anything like this before, but I’m determined to complete the challenge to support such an important cause to me.

Why am I doing it?

I am fundraising not only to help the charity, but also to honour my mum, Janice, who sadly passed away on 20^th June 2022 after being diagnosed with Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD). Before her passing, I also found out I carry the genetic mutation which means I too will develop FTD in my lifetime. No ifs, buts or maybes, no ‘increased risk’, I will develop FTD. What’s worse, there is currently no cure or treatment.

What am I already doing?

I do my best to raise awareness of FTD and you can find out more about the disease on my blog; www.ftdandme.co.uk. Alongside this, I also take part in the GENFI Study, a research project focused on understanding FTD. Every year, I visit the UCL Dementia Research Centre and researchers use techniques to study me including MRI scans, memory assessments, cognitive and optical tests, lumbar punctures and more. By doing this, researchers hope to identify biomarkers and improve the diagnosis and treatment of this condition.

Why The National Brain Appeal?

The National Brain Appeal directly fund the GENFI Study which is so important for the future of many others and myself. They are committed to improving the lives of people with FTD and to advancing the field of neurology and neurosurgery through research, education and innovation.

What can you do?

I need your help! Every donation counts, whether it’s 25p or £25! A one-off gift will help me achieve my target and your generosity would be much appreciated. Together, we can make a difference to the lives of those experiencing FTD. Thank you for your support!