Uhuru Peak (which translates as ‘freedom’ in Swahili) is the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest free-standing mountain in the world at 5,896m. In January 2016, that’s exactly where I aim to be. But until I get there, I’ll be attempting to raise more than £5,000 for the Alzheimer’s Society. 

In preparation for the big climb, I’ll also be taking part in a series of mini-challenges this year, starting with the Great Newham London 10k run on 19 July, followed by a 54-mile cycle ride from London to Brighton on 6 September and the Windsor Half Marathon on 27 September.  

Why?!

At just 52 years of age, my Dad – Michael Willis – was diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia, a type of dementia that shares symptoms with both Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. On 27 December 2014, Dad suffered a a seizure and spent 5 months in hospital. He's recently moved to West Oak nursing home in Wokingham where he can get the full time care he needs (with frequent visits from family and friends, of course!) 

http://www.alzheimers.org.uk/site/scripts/documents_info.php?documentID=113

Despite his worsening condition, my Dad has never lost his warm smile, infectious laugh and wicked sense of humour. I know he’s proud of me (and my sister, Lauren) and we’re incredibly proud of him too! He's not just my Dad, he's my mate and my hero (he’s also the reason I support Charlton Athletic, although I’m not sure I should be grateful for that!)

I’m taking on these challenges in support of my Dad and all those who have sacrificed so much to support him through the last few years (his family, friends, doctors, nurses and care workers). I’m also doing it to support and raise awareness of the invaluable work the Alzheimer’s Society do for families like ours. And finally, I’m doing it because… well… I just really want to!

The Alzheimer’s Society is the leading support and research charity for people with dementia, their families and carers. They provide information and support, campaign for better quality of life for people with dementia and also fund innovative research into the cause, cure and prevention of dementia and the care people receive. 

• There are 850,000 people living with dementia in the UK today (1.3 per cent).
• Over 40,000 people under 65 years of age have dementia.
• In 2013 there were over 44 million people worldwide with dementia. This is predicted to increase to over 75 million by 2030 and over 135 million by 2050.

Any help towards my fundraising target would be massively appreciated. Please donate if you can, and keep an eye out for some fundraising events we’ll be running throughout the year!

How will your donation help?

• £5 could pay for one person to attend a half hour session at a monthly Dementia Café, providing information and support for people with dementia and their carers.
• £20 could pay for 100 copies of Understanding and respecting the person with dementia - one of the Society's most requested factsheets.
• £50 could fund a PhD researcher for one day to continue vital research into understanding the causes of dementia, how it can be treated and, ultimately, to find a cure.
• £120 could pay to run Talking Point for one day - the Society's 24/7 online community for all people affected by dementia.

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page, and thank you so much for your support!

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.