The Atlantic Coast Challenge involves three marathons in three days along the picturesque but challenging (i.e. very hilly!) North Cornwall coastal path between Padstow and Land's End. We are taking on this challenge in aid of Alzheimer's Research.

Pam very sensibly plans to walk the whole way. Brian, on the other hand, still in the clutches of possibly the world's most enduring mid-life crisis, intends to run as far as his long-suffering legs will carry him! Why would we do this?

Well, everyone knows how debilitating and distressing Alzheimer's is, both for the sufferer and for their carers. But relativley little is known about the disease, there is no straightforward test to diagnose it and there is still no prospect of a cure, only drugs that can slow down its progress temporarily.

Alzheimer's affects 465,000 people in the UK; 1 in 14 over 65 and 1 in 6 over 80. As the disease progresses, they may: become confused, and frequently forget the names of people, places, appointments and recent events; experience mood swings, feel scared and frustrated by their increasing memory loss; and become more withdrawn, due either to a loss of confidence or to communication problems.

One of these people is our Dad and we are sure that many of you will also have relatives or friends with Alzheimer's.

So please dig deep and donate now. Your donation may not result in an overnight cure for Alzheimer's but it will definitely keep Pam and Brian going as they "enjoy" their rugged Cornish challenge!