Does life really begin at 40, or is it all downhill from thereon in?  I have to be honest and admit that I have been dreading reaching this particular milestone and I was not convinced that being 40 was something to celebrate.  But then again, would I really wake up on the morning of 30 October 2008 and actually look or feel any different than I did the previous morning?

My reluctance to accept my advancing years coupled with the fact that my mother has mixed dementia (Alzheimer’s and vascular), meant that holding a party and letting my hair down was not on my agenda.  However, I've had a re-think and I have decided to throw a party and let my hair down - literally!

So, in an attempt to raise much-needed funds for the Alzheimer's Society, on 1st November 2008 I will be having my head shaved (after a few stiff drinks to steady the nerves and keep the tears at bay).  And to show his support and understanding, my wonderful husband will be doing the cutting and shaving!

I am sure you will agree that this is a very worthwhile cause (just look at the figures below) and I hope that you can support me in my quest to raise as much money as possible for the Alzheimer’s Society. 

Unfortunately, drugs of the future will be too late for my Mum and our family but the invaluable support, information and guidance provided by the Society needs to be funded, and research into this disease must continue as none of us know what our futures or those of our children hold - so please, try to forget the credit crunch (my Mum has forgotten the majority of her life), dig deep and be as generous as you can with your donations.

Now I am looking forward to waking up as a forty year old and knowing that I will look and feel much different - hairless but for good reason.

Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: 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.

The Alzheimer's Society is the UK's leading care and research charity for people with all forms of dementia, their families and carers. Over 700,000 people in the UK have dementia - more than half have Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer's disease is a disease of the brain that causes memory loss, personality changes and physical disability. Dementia affects one in 14 people over the age of 65 and one in six over the age of 80.