UPDATE:  the February swim was cancelled by the organisers due to the cold and I have now entered the 2013 Jubilee River Swim on 2nd June. 

http://www.2mevents.com/index.php/event/2013-jubilee-river-swim

 

Have a look here at the route I'm going to be swimming... including a 3D fly-over http://www.mapmyfitness.com/routes/view/64889028#

 

One in three people over the age of 65 will develop dementia, two thirds of whom are women.  It is not simply an effect of growing old, but a term describing the different medical disorders that cause a loss of the brain functions that we take for granted.  

It is a condition that is not only disorientating and distressing for the sufferers, but equally upsetting for their family, seeing someone they love and care about becoming confused and forgetful.  

The Contented Dementia Trust is a small charity, which, with years of experience of working with sufferers and their carers, has developed a practical, people-centred approach to dealing with the condition.  The aim of the SPECAL method they have developed is to assure the well-being of those with dementia, in a sustainable manner that is not entirely reliant on drugs.  With the money they receive, they are developing and launching an e-learning training program – so that they can share their methods with people across the UK and overseas who cannot get to the training centre in Oxfordshire.  This would mean that far more of the 820,000 people living with Dementia in the UK today, and their families, could be offered a ‘positive and realistic message of hope’. 

So what am I doing then?  I am going to be swimming in the Thames in February to raise money so that the Contented Dementia Trust can help even more people.  I am trying not to think about how cold it will be, but perhaps all those summer holidays on the beach in Brittany will be an advantage!  I will be swimming 10 kilometres, yes that’s right, TEN!  I'm not sure how long this will take – we’ll find out!  Until then I’ll carry on training and trying to locate a wetsuit! 

And what can you do to help?  Any donations will be greatly appreciated.  Even if you just forego a pint and donate a few pounds, it all helps!

 

Thank you very much,

 

Harriet xxx

 

If you want to read any more about the Contented Dementia Trust have a look at their website. (http://www.contenteddementiatrust.org/)  

 

 

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