Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

As Harold (Grandpa) doesn't use the internet, we (his family) have set up this JustGiving page for him to support his cause. Harold, at 93 years of age, announced a few months ago that he has always fancied doing a zip wire off the Tyne Bridge. Having kept this to himself, and got cold feet a few times, none of us had an inkling of this big idea. However, after his lovely wife of 67 years, Joan, died last year having suffered from dementia for the last few years of her life, Harold felt that raising money for the Alzheimer's Society would be a positive way to respond to his loss, which gave him the boost he needed to carry out a sponsored zip wire off the Tyne Bridge. The zip wire is a hefty 230 metres long and 30 metres high, travelling diagonally across the rive Tyne, and will take place on the 16th April 2016. 

Harold and Joan were a couple for a remarkable 77 years and had a wonderful life together. Sadly, Joan was increasingly affected by dementia in the last few years of her life, and was eventually cared for at Willow Lodge Residential Home, in North Shields. For over 3 years, without fail, Harold visited Joan 6 days a week to spend the afternoon with her, ensuring that she was visited by other family members on the 7th day. Their care, love and devotion to each other, throughout their marriage, and particularly in Joan's last years of confusion and failing health was inspiring. 

Harold is a father of 3, grandfather of 7, and great-grandfather of 8 - so we are all so proud and inspired by his adventurous spirit. Two of his grand-daughters, Jenny and Miriam, will providing some moral support by also doing a zip wire on the day, whilst the rest of the family are looking forward to cheering him on with feet firmly on the ground! 

We would love to raise as much money as possible for Grandpa's big trip across the Tyne - we would be so grateful if you could please sponsor him, giving anything you feel you can, and please share this page - it would be a great surprise for him to raise the £1000 target we have set. What's more, it would mean a great deal to him and others to support the Alzheimer's Society, who provide information and support, fund medical and social research, and campaign for better quality of life for people with dementia, and a greater understanding of the condition. 

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity. So it’s the most efficient way to donate – saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

Thanks so much! 

Harold and Family