For the last 10 years my parents, Les and Frances Bettinson have been suffering from dementia and are now house bound and totally dependent on our family and social care. My dad was a well known figure in professional Rugby League, he played for Salford in the 50’s/60’s and then became their coach and manager in the 1970’s. In 1988 he was manager for Great Britain Rugby League, leading the team to glory in the Australian test series. He later became President of the RFL. Both Frances and Les dedicated their lives to education, my mum was a primary school teacher at Romiley Primary School and my dad was a PE teacher at Marple Hall later becoming a Senior Advisor for Stockport LEA. The lovely thing is that they still have each other and are currently still able to live at home. It is, however, incredibly sad to see their independence slipping away and their ability to enjoy and appreciate all that they have achieved, the grandchildren that they have raised and the opportunities that would still be out there for them if they didn’t have dementia. The 8 day trek will undoubtedly test my endurance. The knowledge, that in some small way, I will be helping to advance the research into a treatment for dementia, will drive me on to reach the summit of Kilimanjaro, 5895 metres.

Alzheimer’s Society is transforming the landscape of dementia forever. Until the day we find a cure, we will create a society where those affected by dementia are supported and accepted, able to live in their community without fear or prejudice.

Thank you for any contributions made to this very important cause.