Thank you for visiting my fundraising page. Please dig deep and sponsor me online. Any donation is welcome as even a small amount will help.

I will be writing flash pieces from 50 - 500 words on the 12th October - as many as I possibly can - from 12 noon to 12 pm to raise money for the Alzheimer's Society with a group of other writers from 'The Grail'. This is an annual event and we hope to produce a book of the best flash writing for sale to raise extra funds at the end of the session too.

Facts about dementia:

What is dementia?
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. There are over 100 different types of dementia. The most common are Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia and dementia with Lewy bodies.
Symptoms of dementia include loss of memory, confusion and problems with speech and understanding.

Most forms of dementia cannot be cured. There are some drugs available that appear to alleviate some of the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease in some people.

Why support the Alzheimer’s Society?

The Alzheimer’s Society is the leading care and research charity for people with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, their families and carers.

Why is dementia an important issue?

• More than 700,000 people in the UK have dementia. Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia and is more prevalent among women than men.
• One in four people knows someone with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, and will be aware of the devastating impact it has on their lives.

We are a growing organisation for a growing issue:

• It is estimated that by 2025 there will be over a million people with dementia in the UK.
• This will soar to 1.7 million people by 2050.
• Because of this, we invest more than £1 million a year in research into the causes, cures and care for this condition.

Our services act as a lifeline to thousands of people. We provide:

• A national helpline
• Financial grants for carers
• Respite and day care services
• Training and publications for health and care professionals
• Biomedical and social research
• Printed information and advice on all aspects of dementia and caring.

Where your money goes:

The Alzheimer’s Helpline

Imagine that you, or someone you love, has just been diagnosed with dementia. Once the shock has subsided, who will answer all your questions and help alleviate the anxiety and distress that often go hand in hand with this condition?

The Alzheimer's Society believes that no one should face dementia alone. Through our helpline services we offer reassurance and a sympathetic listening ear, as well as up-to-date information and advice on all aspects of living with dementia.

Over £250,000 is needed every year just to maintain this service at its current level – and sadly we know only too well that there are many, many more people out there affected by dementia who could benefit from it. Promoting the helpline more widely and building its capacity will only be possible with the support of our valued donors.

Caring grants
Last year we spent more than £174,000 on caring grants in response to more than 340 applications. Caring grants are awarded to help alleviate financial pressure on carers and people with dementia. Grants can cover the cost of essential equipment to help make life easier, or provide respite breaks and holidays, giving both the person with dementia and their carers a much-needed break.

Quality Research in Dementia
The Alzheimer's Society is committed to defeating dementia through research and we spend over £1 million a year on research. Our current priorities include stem cell research, early diagnosis, risk factors, vaccines and alternative and complementary therapies.

The Quality Research in Dementia (QRD) advisory network consists of 150 people with dementia, carers and former carers. They set the strategy for research, comment on the applications, select applications for funding, monitor projects and tell people about results.

However, we could do even more. A lack of funds forces us to make some very tough decisions: out of every eight research proposals that we receive, we have to turn down seven.

Your support will help us to provide and expand these vital services.

Thank you for your time, please dig deep into those pockets and donate what you can.

It would be appreciated if you could help promote this cause.

Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor me: the Alzheimer's Society will receive your money faster and, if you are a UK taxpayer, an extra 28% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you.

So please sponsor me now!

Many thanks for your support.