The challenge is this: to cycle 980 miles in 9 days, from one end of Britain to the other. That’s around 107 miles per day, with 52300ft of climbing thrown in for good measure.  Am I built for cycling? Absolutely not. Do I enjoy cycling? Not really sure yet. Do I enjoy wearing lycra and discussing other men’s calves?  Yes I do. 

I’ll be doing the ride with Fred, one of my oldest friends and someone I've travelled with many times - no doubt we'll be leaning on each other when the going  gets tough. 

Why? In 2015, my grandfather was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Over the next five years, it took his character, his humour, his intellect, and ultimately in April this year, his life. He was denied dignity in his final years and that was profoundly painful to watch for all those that loved him. It is a long goodbye; a strange process of grieving the living where time is the ultimate enemy. 

Dementia is the ‘sad, quiet epidemic’ and we are one family among many that experience this every year. Alzheimer’s Research UK is the country’s leading dementia research charity, funding the innovative work that will ultimately deliver a cure. When that day comes, it will return life to those that would otherwise descend into a world of confusion and panic, sparing their families the pain of watching that happen. The only way I’m going to make a tangible difference is with your help!

It is fitting that this will hurt; it will be as much a mental challenge as a physical one.  Whether you have been affected by Alzheimer’s personally, or just want to see a photo of me looking like a Russian circus bear on a small bike, I would be deeply grateful for any contribution you can make. 

George x