Well we did it!! Unfortunately we lost Kathleen to injury before the event, but we cycled the 300 miles from London to Paris.  Thanks to all that contributed - contributions still welcome!

Stu, Lyds, Saskia & Niamh.

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We are 5 Physiotherapy Students who study part time at Brunel University in Uxbridge.  We qualify as Chartered Physiotherapists in 2010 and On September 16th, we will be cycling from London to Paris to support the Alzheimer's Society.   The event takes place over 4 days in which we will cycle up to 95 miles per day.  For more information about the details of the event please click here.

As Physiotherapy students we have worked with and treated people with Dementia and have come to realise the huge impact this has on people's lives, meaning the the most simple functional tasks such as getting dressed and eating can be the biggest challenge of the day.

Dementia is a term used to describe various different brain disorders that have in common a loss of brain function that is usually progressive and eventually severe.  It can lead to many problems including loss of memory, confusion and problems with speech and understanding.  The lives of families are also hugely affected, in having to provide often 24 hour physical and emotional care.

There are about 700,000 people in the UK with dementia and it mainly affects older people. However, it can affect younger people.  There are 15,000 people in the UK under the age of 65 who have dementia.  It can affect both men and women.

The video to the left of this page gives an interesting and quite thought provoking view of dementia through the eyes of children.

I hope you can find the time to sponsor us, and even if you can only afford a couple of quid, it may make a big difference to the quality of life of thousands of people who have, or care for people with dementia.

Thanks

Lydia, Saskia, Stu, Niamh & Kathleen

Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor us: Alzheimer's Society gets your money faster and, if you’re a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.