YPWD support younger people (that is, people of working age) in Berkshire who develop a dementia. They also support their families. They provide respite services within the working week, both within a workshop setting and on a one-to-one basis.

I have proudly conducted their choir, 'Harmony' for 7 wonderful years. They are a truly inspiring bunch of music loving people who enjoy getting together for a good old singalong, lots of yummy cake and a cuppa piping hot tea every Tuesday morning.

The group has reinforced my faith in not just the healing benefits of music, but its ability to bind people together through memory and emotion. The road we have travelled has not been a smooth one. I choose to not speak about another passing in our ranks as there have been so many. In exchange for your much needed funding, here is my appeal straight from the heart.

Attending and singing at the funeral of an all too absent choir member is not an easy thing to do. Through the power of music and love, we manage loss together. At our annual Christmas concert last year, I wrote and sang an original song, 'You & I' dedicated to the choir. It said everything I tried to say, but couldn’t. The response was so positive that YPWD asked me to record it for release. I took to the mic and called in a few favours from musician friends to help.

So, you’re cycling to Paris to raise funds huh? Wait. I don’t own a bike. Didn’t think that through. My Uncle Azim came to the rescue with a discarded mountain bike he hadn’t used coz he couldn’t find a mountain close to Iver. Quick trip to Halfords to grab a helmet and some waterproofs, I was ready for training!

Armed with a 20 year old scar from my two wheeled speed demon accident-prone days and a real fear of been seen in public in Spandex, July 25th should be cracking!

When you sponsor me for the cycle, you can take a listen to our song 'You and I' and all proceeds will go straight to YPWD. Thank you in advance for donating generously, and I promise to update you on my thrilling cycle training, dodging random potholes and runaway Asda shopping trolleys.  

Find the song 'You & I' here https://soundcloud.com/briefindlay/you-and-i-charity-single