With mental health being something that has affected me personally and Alzheimer's disease affecting 850,000 people in the UK alone and 1.5 million by 2040 (50 million people worldwide). I have decided to cook up a challenge to raise money for research. Dementia can be devastating to not only the person suffering but their families and friends too. 

11 studies show that regular exercise can significantly reduce the risk of developing dementia by about 30 per cent. For Alzheimer's disease specifically, the risk was reduced by 45 per cent. So it seemed apt for a physical challenge.

Over the next 3 months, I have set myself a triple challenge. 

1) Run a half marathon (01/03/20 Big Half London) - having done only 1 10K per year and struggled horribly this will be both a physical and mental challenge. I suffer from pains in the knees and ankles when I run (the carryover from 3 broken legs I think).

2) Probably an even bigger challenge I've set is to qualify for the National Swimming Championships. This will involve ALOT of training (I started 2 months ago). It is 40 years since I first competed at county level and have NEVER competed at national level. Every penny you donate will help me keep pounding in the pool. I hope to set the qualifying time in January/February - but it might take longer!!!

3) The last one is a personal challenge. 4 years ago I was 13 1/2 stone(87kg) and very unfit (I'll post the picture below). My challenge is to "get the last bit off" to get 3 stone in total off ( to 67kg). As some of you will know the last bit is the hardest lol so your donations will keep me off the takeaway veggie curry! Current weight 71kg.

I'm asking for £3 (more if you can!) to keep my motivation right on track and help research into this devastating disease - £3 for 3 challenges - bargain! :)

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

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Thank you and much love to you all,

Andy

XXX