My mother was one of the smartest people I've ever met. She was a graduate in Natural Sciences (Physics) from Cambridge. She brought up three children and had a successful career as a teacher and then as a Registrar for the John Lewis Partnership. I never knew her to be afraid of anything - except one thing. She used to say, and I don't think she was entirely joking, that if she ever 'lost her marbles' we should get one of her grandchildren who was still under the age of criminal responsibility to see her off with a pillow. Well, her grandchidren are grown up, so it's too late for that and instead we support her as best she can as she slowly slips away. The woman who programmed her ZX81 and Spectrum in assembly language just because it was interesting now struggles to remember how a TV remote works. The woman who regularly completed the Times crossword is now content with a 30 piece jigsaw. We are just lucky that, unlike many with Alzheimers, she seems content.

So, when my niece suggested I might like to ride Velo Birmingham and West Midlands in 2019, I thought I'd try to raise some money for the Alzheimer’s Society.  They provide information and support, fund research and create lasting change for people affected by dementia. With our rapidly ageing population this is vital work. Please give generously!