I have chosen to run the three Yorkshire peaks to raise awareness and money for the Alzheimer’s Society and specifically ’memory lane cafe’ that takes place at the Maurice Jagger Centre in Halifax. This is a cause very close to my heart after my Grandma was diagnosed with alzhemiers disease 10 years ago, some of my closest friends and relatives have also been effected by the disease. My Grandma and Grandad would attend the Maurice jagger ‘Memory Lane Cafe’ weekly prior to Shirley passing. Following this Grandad Roy continues to attend the Memory lane cafe and thoroughly enjoys the live music, quizzes, festive games, and exercises classes.

We saw my Grandma deteriorate over the past 10 years ever so gradually until she peacefully passed away. My Grandmas memory deteriorated beyond belief. There are times where she’d start a sentence and forget what she was talking about so cannot finish her point. She’d forget to drink her hot tea before it goes cold and forget to eat her tea. However, each week she would love to attend the group sessions, to unlock some old memories (mainly Shirley singing) and would bring so much joy into her daily existence.

This disease is heart-breaking, it is almost as if Shirley wasn’t herself anymore her personality and beliefs altered massively. The dedicated team of volunteers run the craft sessions, games, refreshments, provide information, support, chat and a very warm welcome do amazing work for the people of Halifax who suffer from dementia and other memory problems.

It would mean the world to me to have your support with this challenge I am embarking on. Every little helps and every penny will be going towards the Memory lane cafe to help keep the lights on and provide the irreplaceable service to elderly people of Halifax.

Thank you :)

Max