Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

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. So it’s the most efficient way to donate – saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

I will be pedalling my Ice trike to Shetland and back.  I anticipate departing early May.  I have not accurately calculated the total mileage, but I reckon in the range of 1500 miles.  The purpose is to raise funds for the fight against dementia.

I have plotted a route, mostly on country lanes, from Widnes to Shetland.  In brief, I will cycle due north on B roads and smaller lanes that mostly parallel the A6.  This takes me through Lancaster, Carlisle, and Dumfries.  In Dumfries I begin angling west for Ardrossan.  From Ardrossan I sail for the Isle of Mull, a harrowing 55 minutes at sea.  From there I will cycle and ferry much of the Hebrides.  I will take my leave of the Hebrides from Stornoway sailing for Ullapool. The route then follows the northern coast through Tongue to John O'Groats.  From John Boy the Orkneys and Shetland. (Let me know if you would like a postcard from Valsgard). I have not yet worked out the return.  I understand there is a ferry from Aberdeen to Norway...

Some might ask, why?  Best answer is why not?  If not now, when.  Anything worth doing is worth overdoing. Furthermore, I hate dementia.  I hate how it slowly erased my father-in-law.  I hate how it turned Roy from a scientist to a 65 year old man who can't dress himself.  I hate how it attacks not only the diagnosed, but all family and friends involved. 

I work four days a week with men with dementia, joiners who can't make sense of a tape measure. Drivers who can't remember where they live.  Enough.

So, chip in as much as you can. The money will go directly to the Alzheimer's Society.  In addition to funding research they do excellent community work.  In Halton the social groups provide support and social contact with other carers. So, again, give what you can, give more than you think you can.  Let's knock dementia out.

http://i1.wp.com/www.auntiehelen.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/DSCF8306.jpg