On July 15th, my dear Dad finally succumbed to the effects of dementia. A wonderfully kind husband, father and grandad, who served his country in the RAF for nearly 40 years - what an awful way for his life to end.

But he's not alone. And he was most certainly not the only one who suffered through his illness - the undying love that my Mum has shown as she's cared for him over the last few years has been a terrible strain on her. Carers for dementia sufferers are being abused by the system. 

Research into dementia does not receive the financial support it warrants - more people now die from dementia-related illnesses than from cancer. I want to do something about it. I want to support research into finding a cure. And I need your help.

In September, I am going to attempt to cycle from Land's End to John O'Groats, that's 110 miles/day, for 9 days. Obviously my undercarriage is going to be under quite some duress; each night I will be sleeping in a tent; and in the 3 days in Scotland, the midges will be attempting to eat me alive! 

I am as aware as anyone of the modern day pressures on us all to sponsor everything that moves, which is why I hope you appreciate the enormity of my challenge, and agree that it is indeed a very worthy cause.

On behalf of all those who's lives will be affected by dementia, a huge thank you for any support you can give.

Andrew