Some of you are aware that my mother has not been well for the last ten years or so. She has a condition of the brain which has been diagnosed as Alzheimer's disease - just one of over one hundred different types of dementia. Alzheimer's affects approximately half a million people in the UK. During the course of this type of dementia, the chemistry and structure of the brain continuously changes, leading to the death of brain cells. People with Alzheimer's have a shortage of important chemicals responsible for the transmission of messages in the brain.

 

Alzheimer's disease is not a natural part of ageing. It is a progressive disease and gradually, over time, more parts of the brain are damaged. As this happens, the symptoms become more severe and some people with Alzheimer's need total support from those who care for them, even with simple things like getting dressed or eating.

Dementia affects one in fourteen people over the age of 65 and one in six over the age of 80. However, Alzheimer's is not restricted to elderly people: in the UK, there are over 15,000 people under the age of 65 with dementia. My mother started to show symptoms when she was just 55.

There is currently no cure for Alzheimer's disease.

 

Alzheimer's Society believes that no one should face dementia alone. They provide information and support for those with any form of dementia and their carers. They fund research, run quality care services, and campaign for improved health and social care and greater public understanding of dementia.

 

You can help me to fight dementia by sponsoring me to climb Mount Kilimanjaro - the highest mountain in Africa and the highest free-standing mountain in the world. This particular challenge is very dear to my heart as my mother was born in Arusha, not too far from Kilimanjaro. I will be climbing up to the Uhuru summit in June to help raise funds through sponsorship. I have set myself a challenge to raise at least £3500 for Alzheimer's Society and am hoping I will be able to achieve this target with your support.

My mother is already at a critical stage where she has been bed-bound for the past several years; she cannot speak; she cannot move any part of her body except her head and eyes; she cannot communicate in any way, but she can see and still has a sense of taste and hearing. When she could speak many years ago, she had forgotten I was her son and thought I was her brother. She lives in her own home, lovingly cared for by family members and other carers. There are thousands like her, many in even worse condition. Your donation will help fund research to help thousands in the future, so please dig deep and donate now. 

Please donate through JustGiving.

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 and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible  

donation by a UK taxpayer- for every £1, the taxman will add another 28p so you will be giving even more than you are!. It’s the most efficient way to donate -  

I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

You can also send donations by cheque, payable to A Solanki (Alzheimer's Society),

 31 Heming Road, Edgware, HA8 9AB

For more details please contact me on 020 8952 2226 / 079 1616 38 16.

ashoksolanki@btopenworld.com

ALSO: Please pass this request for sponsorship to your email, mobile, Twitter, Facebook etc. contacts; they too, may wish to sponsor me.