The  London to Paris Bike Ride is an awesome cycling challenge.  There will be a total of 4 days in the saddle, cycling 308 miles from city to city.  The journey begins in London with the route going through glorious  English countryside, cycling from Kent to Dover, before crossing  the Channel to Calais. Once across the water cycling starts ‘French  style’, remembering to keep to the right!  Cycling along  quiet French country lanes, through traditional market towns with views  of the rolling green hills of northern France, passing the war memorials  and cemeteries of the Somme. 

A  spectacular finish awaits on the home stretch up the  Champs Elysées to the Arc de Triomphe, before reaching the piece de  resistance, the Eiffel Tower, which marks the finish line.  The days in  the saddle may be long, but the sense of acheivement will be amazing!

But, why would you want to undertake such a gruelling challenge for us?  

Dementia is considered ‘young onset’ when it affects people under 65 years of age. It is also referred to as ‘early onset’ or ‘working age’ dementia.

People with young onset dementia often experience a more rapid decline in cognition and quality of life at a time when they may otherwise have expected to be in employment and to have an active social life. The same applies to partners and other family members who consequently face social isolation and carer stress.  In many cases, carers have to give up work to support their partner and therefore, the ability to provide respite on a daily basis is often pivotal to keeping carers in work. Furthermore, for the person with dementia, lack of appropriate activities can result in an increase in social isolation, apathy, a decline in health and increased risk of behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia. 

YPWD (Berkshire) aims to support those living with dementia and facing the above challenges.