Dear Friends,

Personal experience here in Derbyshire Dales, has been that the current level of professional support for the wives and family members of Alzheimer patients, from the moment of diagnosis onwards, is abysmal and virtually NIL! 

As the person with the disease, I have to say that the Derby based, Consultant led, Psycho-geriatric Service, that provide my specialist care, are excellent. However, the General Practice led support, is virtually non existent. This is not a criticism of the individual General Practitioners but of the lack of organisational structures and necessary funding to provide the necessary care.

The loving care and support of my wife Sammy and family, plus friends, Blossom my Springer Spaniel and my own personal motivation, have ensured that I continue to lead as independent and active a life as possible.  This includes daily walks over the fields with Blossom, a weekly swim with Sammy and twice weekly Walking Football sessions in Ashbourne and Matlock, respectively, that I enjoy and attend independently, via use of  my Bus Pass.

Having been formally diagnosed with this disease 5 years ago. However, I am now aware that, in spite of increased prescribed medication and personal dogged determination, plus the help and support of others, the  Alzheimer's tide has turned and is now, increasing, rising, at a more rapid rate.

So, tis therefore, my friends, time for me to make one final, fundraising effort together with my family and yourselves, for the Alzheimers Society. Let us together, make a much needed and significant financial contribution to help, both fight the disease and find a cure, plus in the meanwhile, provide much needed and greatly lacking, professional support for the family and loved ones of people with the disease.

Please GIVE GENEROUSLY - Raid your Piggy Banks, Savings Accounts, Pension Pots, Cash in a few Shares and in the infamous words of a fellow Blackrock College pupil, from the 1960s.. Give us your...... MONEY!

LET'S RAISE £1,000,000.

Thank you all so much for your Love, Support, Friendship and anticipated GENEROSITY!

ONWARD AND UPWARDS!

God Bless

Amore Eternale

Joe  Ashton xx