With everyone's kind help I've reached my target and am training hard for the trip... Flying out of Heathrow on the 17th January!

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

The first reason for embarking on this challenge is to raise money in memory of Walter Gray, my father in-law.

I have seen the impact that dementia has on both the sufferer and their family and friends. The money raised from my efforts will help fund both support for sufferers and the search for a cure.

I guess I'm also taking on this challenge for myself...I turn 50 in 2013 and want to prove to myself that life begins at 50 :-)

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

So please dig deep and donate now.