In April of 2015, my Nan Margaret sadly passed away
following the deterioration of her dementia. 
In April of 2016, my wife Emma’s Nan, Barbara, also passed away
following a rapid decline of her dementia. 
The significant impact on both our Nans, and our families, was at times
heartbreaking.

Dementia is more than just memory loss, it can change a
persons’ behaviour and their whole personality, dementia doesn’t discriminate
and there are no treatments to stop the diseases that cause dementia.

850,000 people are estimated to be living with dementia in
the UK.  Alzheimer’s Research UK states
that ‘One million people in the UK by 2025 will have dementia’ and that ‘this
will increase to two million by 2050’, and that globally the numbers of people
living with dementia will increase from 50 million in 2018, to 152 million in
2050, a 204% increase.

I decided that 2018 was my year to get fit, lose weight, and
do something really meaningful for others, in memory of our Nans.  I decided to do this by expanding my cycling
hobby and setting myself a goal that would both challenge and motivate me ...
hence, Velo Birmingham and West Midlands. 
I then thought, what better way to then use this opportunity, than to
raise money for a local dementia charity.  The charity BUDS, supports people in Sandwell and
their families, through their journey with dementia.  What really then brought this home was when I
found out the date of Velo was to be 12^th May - my Nan’s birthday.

Dementia is thought to be hereditary, so while I may not
remember this moment, others will remember my commitment to those living with
dementia, and their families.

“... make every moment count”

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.