Welcome to mine (James) and Rachel's justgiving page.

According to Alzheimer’s Society, Dementia is the UK’s biggest killer. Someone develops it every three minutes and there’s currently no cure. Mine and Rachel’s Grandma/Nana have both been affected by dementia. It is a horrendous, unforgiving and distressing condition – and we thought it was time we try and do something. On July 4 we will be embarking on a 26 mile trek of the Brecon Beacons in Wales -famous for it’s demanding terrain.

My Grandma Dorothy is currently living in a care home with dementia. Before the disease took it’s grip she enjoyed music, playing piano, reading, chain watching Miss Marple (I have never shared this passion) and was a deacon at her church. My grandma is now often confused and distressed. I as well as the rest of our family always do our best to make her smile and giggle, though some days this can be a real challenge.

Rachel’s Nana Betty died in August 2018, having lived with dementia
for many years. Betty was a clever, talented, caring and enormously generous person. She and Rachel both worked at the London Science Museum and the then called Department for Trade and Industry (though, as you’d expect not in the same decades!) Betty had a wicked sense of humour, and in her day was a wonderful cook and dress maker.

Dementia not only affects the individual, but seeing the decline of that person is also horrible to see for everybody connected to them. To see our grandmothers, change so much, and at times be so distressed as their memories fade and their character change is and was hard to bear witness to.

We want to do something to combat this unforgiving disease and honour these incredible women. Contrary to our usual Saturday schedule (which might include re-watching episodes of Peep Show or deciding where to eat overpriced avocado on toast (possibly with bottomless prosecco)) on July 4 we will be embarking on a 26 mile trek of the Brecon Beacons in Wales - and we would love your support.

Every donation of £5 made before March 29 will be entered into a raffle, which will be drawn on March 30. If you donate £5, your name will be entered once, £10 - twice, £15 - three times etc.If you want to be included in the raffle, make sure you include your name so Rachel or I can contact you if win!

The following donated prizes are up for grabs:

• A one night stay inclusive of breakfast and a 2-course dinner at the 4* Lythe Hill Hotel & Spa Surrey (worth £140)
• Gift certificate for two to The Medieval Banquet (worth £100)
• 1 x King sized French Connection duvet set (worth £85)
• 2 x vouchers for an Introductory lesson to Bouldering @ Arch climbing wall (worth £80)
• 4 x tickets to Laser quest (worth £52)
• 4 x tickets to Queens Ice Skating tickets (Worth £48)
• 2 x tickets to Junkyard golf + two drinks (worth £30)
• 2 x tickets to Clapham Picture House (worth £28)
• 2 x tickets to The 99 Comedy Club (worth £20)
• 2 x tickets to Plonk golf (worth £20)
• 1 x Next perfume gift set (worth £22)
• 1 x Next aftershave gift set (worth £16)

All funds raised will support Alzheimer’s Society - the UK’s leading dementia charity who campaign for change, fund research to find a cure and support people living with dementia today. Thanks for taking the time to read the above, and thank you in advance for considering donating – we really appreciate it. Thank you also to the companies who have generously donated the above prizes for the purpose of raising funds for Alzheimer’s Society.