On Saturday the 15th of August we are cycling 65 miles, from our family home in Farnham to Tooting Bec Common. Accompanied by our dog Barnaby in a carrier we aim to raise as much money as possible to help the Young Onset Dementia support group at St Georges. 

Receiving a diagnosis of dementia at any age is a life-changing event; however for those under 65 it can be particularly difficult. Many people still have their children at home and the impact on the whole family can be huge. This is why we are asking for your support of the Young Onset Dementia Support Group.

When my mum was diagnosed 2 years ago with a very rare for of young onset dementia we were all completely lost. We had no idea how to proceed and what we could do help her out. We were sent to St Georges Hospital and from there we were told about the support group run by Nikki Zimmerman. 

The YOD group at St Georges has been such a lifesaving service, giving us all the chance to learn new coping mechanisms and understand our loved ones diagnosis. The group give us chance to relax and quite often learn new things to help us all improve my mums quality of life. it gives us time to have discussions with other carers who all have different ideas and experiences. Those with a diagnosis get to try new things and have a social at the same time. The passion of those running the group is so amazing but without these vital funds we won't have a group to go to. 

Even though in Lockdown we haven't been able to get to the hospital the group have all met via Zoom meetings, these have been invaluable along with the continued support via email and our wattsapp group! 

Please please give whatever you can to help such an amazing group to help so many people who otherwise would feel completely alone! 

Thank-you 

Claire, Sophie & Barnaby xxx

The clinical team at St Georges Hospital Cognitive Neurology service established a Young Onset Dementia (YOD) Support Group in 2011, to allow people affected by YOD, their families and their carers to come together for peer support, education and advice.Funding for these sessions is crucial to ensure the group can continue its amazing work. It is also more important than ever, with the impact of Coronavirus, that we find new ways to ensure these support groups can go ahead.