Alzheimer's affects 1 in 14 people over 65 and by 2040, there will be over 1.5m people in the UK living with dementia based on current trends so it's one of those conditions likely to hit everyone's family or wider networks.  It's had a massive impact on my own family, with both grandmothers suffering a slow decline that dominated their later years.  I am delighted to be able to use this challenge as an opportunity to raise awareness and funds for the incredible work of the Alzheimer's Society.

The challenge

This September a team from DAS UK and friends from the Insurance Industry (including me!) will be taking part in the Deloitte Ride Across Britain cycling challenge to raise money for Insurance United Against Dementia (IUAD).  

Our heroic and hardy team of cyclists will be putting themselves through nine days, 980 miles and 55,000 feet of climbing - the equivalent to riding up Mt Everest from Sea Level twice! Staying in tented camps every night, this is an arduous challenge in every sense of the word, with over 110 miles to be ridden every day between 4th and 12th September.  It's my second go after riding the same challenge in 2012 - which means it took 9 years to feel ready to tackle it again!

The Charity - Insurance United Against Dementia

With no cure for dementia, and limited treatments available, now is the time to make a commitment not only to dementia research, but also the way in which we view and treat it. IUAD is an Alzheimer's Society movement created and championed by leaders from across the insurance industry committed to raising £10m to fund vital research whilst increasing awareness of what dementia is, and where the millions of people affected by dementia can find support. Ride Across Britain is IUAD’s flagship fund raising event for 2021, and each of our riders have a personal connection with this cause. Learn more about the challenge at das.co.uk/rab. Follow the team’s progress on Twitter, @DASLegalUK #WhyImRiding