So around 6 years ago I sat in a doctor’s room listening to my mother in law answer really easy questions very incorrectly, what year are we in Elaine? What day is it?

We knew something wasn't right after she crashed her car and didn't know how or where, she started to forget to pay bills on dates required, and the final straw was driving Kaine (our son) home from school on the wrong side of the road.

It was then that we got confirmation that my 60 year old mother in law had dementia, she had her driving license removed and the right to make her own decisions.

We home cared for her between us, all working full time going round on a morning  and on evenings, not knowing what you were walking into when you got there, this disease/illness whatever you may call it is horrendous and works through you at a rapid pace,we had no choice but to put her in a private home, where she deteriorated even quicker, sadly last year she developed pneumonia and didn't leave hospital,

Seeing such a fiery, strong willed woman turn into a hollow child again makes me question whether losing her so young was a good or bad thing, either way it’s happened and we have had front row seats to something that I wouldn’t wish on anyone.

This ride is in memory of Elaine and how she used to be and to contribute to the resources to find out what makes this disease develop, how can we slow it down, control it and most of all stop it?

All I am asking is that all of my family, friends and contacts donate a little bit of cash in return to follow my journey Leeds - Paris, you will already realise it will be a bumpy, entertaining and sore bottomed one!

The company that I work for are sponsoring the cost of the trip so the full amount raised will go to the charity.

Here are a few statistics for you;

1. I haven't been on a bike for around 16 months

2. I am currently around a stone heavier than I usually am

3. The furthest I have cycled is 33 miles!

4. More importantly 1 in 3 of us will develop Dementia.

Happy donating kids.

Sarah x