As some of you may know, my mum Mary, passed away in December 2022 having suffered with mixed dementia in her later years. Julia's father also has advanced Alzheimer's disease. So, to honour them both I am cycling between the care home where mum spent the last months of her life and the the care home in Solihull, where Mike has lived since October 2022.

My ride will start on Friday 28th June 2024 at Stobars Hall in Kirkby Stephen, Cumbria and I will head first to St. Mary Magdalene church, Clitheroe in Lancashire where I grew up and where mum's ashes are interred. My aunt and uncle, Eric and Anne still worship at the church and some of my cousins live close by.

On leaving Clitheroe I head over towards Warrington, to my eldest cousin. Thank you Michael and Sue for hosting Julia and me for the night!

Day 3 I head south through Staffordshire, probably the most built up stretch of the ride. I will try and keep off the busiest roads and will finish the stage in Rugeley.

On my final day I will cycle out of Staffordshire and into Warwickshire and the West Midlands. Hopefully, I will arrive at Blythe Rose Specialist Care Home where Julia's dad lives between 2pm-3pm on 1st July . Barry Styles, my singer friend, will be serenading the residents as I arrive - thanks Barry!

The Hanson and Parsons families have been affected greatly by Alzheimer's disease and the inevitable ripple a diagnosis creates and we are not alone in this regard. The Alzheimer’s Society is working towards a world where dementia no longer devastates lives. They help those living with dementia today and provide hope for the future.

I hope by raising funds, the Society can help others who are also overcome by this horrendous disease. As well as spurring me on during the ride, by donating, you are helping support this worthy cause and we are truly grateful for your support.

Training has started well and I hope that mind and body stay strong as I pedal to raise funds! My target is set at an ambitious £2,250 as I am likely to cover about 225 miles!

Many thanks for your generous support.

Nick