Thank you for visiting my fundraising page. Please dig deep and sponsor me online. Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Alzheimer Scotland 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. My personal story......living in Orkney has huge advantages, remote location, idyllic lifestyle, wonderful place to bring up children and a lovely place for friends and family to visit. However its downside which has become apparent to me in the last few years is separation and distance from wider family when they need you.... My life, work and family here are vitally important to day to day life, but not being able to help, call in and physically support my dad (a two hour sea crossing and 6 hours drive away), who is coping with mum's Alzheimer's disease is all too apparent. Never mind my sister her family who spend all their free time supporting, visiting and caring for mum. The nature of the disease is such that dad can find himself coping with difficult situations in a moment, by the hour or not for a few days, so timing visits to "help" is a very difficult process. Mum was a teacher and linch-pin of village and community, but this disease is destroying her very being by the day. More research is needed and more help made available for sufferers and carers alike. For me embarking on a challenge to raise as much cash as I can is the way I feel I can help. So in November 2008 I will take part in a Charity Challenge bike ride in Vietnam to raise as much as I can for Alzheimer Scotland and the vital work they do. So please sponsor me now! Many thanks for your support. Irene

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