Almost all of us have heard of Alzheimer’s disease which is a common form of dementia generally affecting older people of over 65, although forms of it can affect much younger people.                                          

My mum has Alzheimer’s and this cruel disease has seen her robbed of her retirement years, a time most of us hope we can enjoy and do the things we never had time for during our working lives. From a normal, happy person to someone who cannot speak, eat unaided, walk or even recognise family members, she is living in a care home and needs specialist help 24/7.                                                                                  

We are predicted to live longer than ever before and Alzheimer's is expected to become ever more prevalent amongst our ageing population. It is not just the person with the disease who suffers, but the people around them too. Sufferers can often be cared for at home by their family for many years before needing full time care, as was the case for my Mum.

The Alzheimer’s Society provides support for the people touched by this condition. They promote awareness. They campaign on behalf of sufferers to ensure their voice is heard by the people who make NHS policy. They contribute financial support for research.                                        

Research continues and some promising developments have been made but realistically this is not a problem that is going to disappear any time soon. With a life expectancy of typically 7 years from diagnosis considerable resources are required for each sufferer, their carers and the people around them.                                                                       

I am cycling from Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon),Vietnam to Angkor Wat, Cambodia. This is a 10 day trip and I will cover 479km over 5 days in very hot and humid conditions. All travelling expenses have been funded by me so every penny raised will go directly to the charity. Any sponsorship or donations will be gratefully received and income taxpayers can donate using www.justgiving.co.uk which will enable Alzheimer’s Society to reclaim the tax making the money raised even more.                                        

This disease can really affect anyone, in most cases it is not hereditary. Any one of us could be affected, either personally or by a family member or friend.                                                                                                

Please, I am asking you all for your support, please give as generously as you can.