Over the past few years I have seen first hand what a devastating effect dementia has not only on the individual concerned but the whole family.Kim's mother, Mary, has been suffering for many years now and has to be looked after 24/7. She benefits from being in a wonderful Home, where the carers and nurses are simply amazing and so loving.Before that, Terry was in effect a full time,unpaid carer looking after Mary at the family home and the effect on him took it's toll as it does with so many others in similar circumstances.Thankfully, he is now in good health and back leading a normal life, but he has "lost" the woman that he married all those years ago. It is simply so sad to witness what happens to people that suffer with dementia and the impact it has on family and friends.

So we need to raise the level of research to combat this evil illness and that needs money. Unfortunately, the numbers of sufferers has increased rapidly in recent years and will continue to increase even further in the years to come, especially with an ageing population.

Therefore I have secured a place in this year's Ride London, a 100 mile cycle ride around London and Surrey in order to try and raise as much as possible for this extremely worthwhile cause.It's a long way and I've very quickly realised how much training I need to do to make sure I get round in one piece and hopefully without too much discomfort !!

I fully appreciate that we are all asked to donate to so many worthy causes these days and the British public are amazing in the sums they raise year on year for so many deserving  causes.

But if you can spare a few pennies or pounds, I would be truly thankful and it will spur me on in my own small way to raise a little to assist in every respect in overcoming dementia.

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.