Anyone who knows me is fully aware that travelling is what I live for and I will use any excuse to indulge in my addiction. This opportunity is more than that, it is my chance to give something back and to do my bit to help the millions of families affected by this terrible and debilitating disease. 

Along with my amazing Mummy, my Nan was incredibly influential in my life. From introducing me to smoked salmon, olives and hipsters (the trouser kind, not a bearded man), she was also the perfect drinking partner, quite often encouraging me to have a little tipple at 11am. She is the reason I have a passion for London, having been born there and lived in Kensington for more than 50 years which is where I am now based. She was one of my best friends and I count myself very fortunate to have had her with me and guiding me for more than 30 years. 

In the last few years of my Nan's life, her stubborn streak came to the forefront of her personality on a more regular basis. She started to become quite forgetful and this made her angry at times. We simply assumed this was a sign of old age, however following a wide range of tests over a period of more than two years, we finally received the diagnosis that my wonderful Nan had been suffering from Alzheimer's all along. Being aware of the diagnosis helped the whole family to be more tolerant and understanding and my Nan was finally receiving the medication and care that had been so desperately needed. 

Sadly we lost her in early 2014 due to health problems unrelated to the disease. By this point, she had been moved to a home specialising in care for Dementia sufferers and having this small insight into the affect the disease has on people has prompted me to join the trek in October and commit to raising as much as possible. 

I will be self funding the trip and all donations will go directly to the charity. 

Thank you for taking the time to read my story,

Samantha x