Having seen first-hand the devastating affect that Alzheimer's can have on a person and their way of life, I have set myself a challenge to raise money and awareness of this terrible disease. 

It not only affects the individual but their family and friends who see the person they knew change forever and in my case watch my mum fade away to nothing over a period of years.

It started with just not being able to find the odd word to express herself, then moved on to forgetfulness until she ended up in a care home existing rather than living. She went from a person who loved life and was full of joy to a shell who could not communicate.

We often think of this as an old person’s disease but she was only late 50’s when she started symptoms before dying at only 69 years old.

To see someone who used to care so much about what her children did, not be able to understand what she was being told was horrible.

Not being able to tell her how I felt when visiting was horrible. 

Knowing how much she would have been a wonderful grandmother but for her not to fully fulfil that role was horrible. 

At least I will have the memories of her face lighting up when she saw my young son even though she did not have full comprehension.

I want to push the boundaries to raise money to help end this terrible disease. I know I will suffer during these long endurance events, especially with so many close together but when I feel like quitting, I will just think that the pain I am going through is nothing to the suffering she must have gone through.