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I turned 50 this year and wanted to mark it with a an epic adventure which, of course, had to be on the bike. So, nearly 260 miles and 29,000ft of climbing, that's the same as Everest, in 5 days. Seems epic enough to me.

Talking in the pub, as you do, I've ended up being joined on my adventure by Dan, Cas, Tim, Chris & Adam. We decided that we would like to use our suffering and joy to support a charity and R.I.C.E. was our first choice because of the fine work that they do.

I am not easily scared, but dementia terrifies me and if I can do anything to help to understand this dreadful disease I will. Please have a read of the blurb below, which will explain far better than I what excellent work these people do.

RICE is a Bath-based charity which has been researching the best ways of finding effective treatment for Alzheimer’s and other dementias for 26 years. They are pioneers of early diagnosis through academic research projects and Memory Screening Clinics.

• The results of their research are of national and international significance, whilst involving and aiding local residents  

•   They treat more than 500 patients a year at their Memory Clinic and run Community Memory Screening Clinics in the surrounding area

•   They provide an ongoing programme of care for patients and education and support for their families and carers. The Carers Course is part of this programme and like most of their services is free to participants

They aim is to raise awareness that dementia can be treated and combat the attitude that it is an inevitable and acceptable consequence of ageing. At RICE, improving the well-being of older people is their overall goal.

How your Donation can Help.

• £5 will pay for prescriptions to be sent to 20 patients with dementia.
• £10 will pay for the Current News Sessions’ material for the 7 week Cognitive Stimulation Therapy course.
• £25 will help pay for one hour of a Research Nurse or Psychologist’s time for running therapy courses; supervising carers courses; testing  for signs of early-onset dementia in the Community Memory Screening Clinics and for involvement in our many research projects.

Donations can also go towards helping RICE hold a clinic or course for people with dementia and their carers.

• £335 will pay for 1 Community Memory Screening Clinic where testing can help identify possible early stage dementia from memory problems caused by other reasons. Attendance is free.
• £1,880 will pay for a 7 week Cognitive Stimulation Therapy course for up to 8 people with dementia, aimed at improving memory, social interaction and quality of life. Attendance is free. 

£4,000 will pay for a 4 week Carers Course for up to 24 carers of people with dementia. Attendance is free.