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.

On Sunday 29th July, I will be completing the Prudential RideLondon cycling sportive which is a 100 mile ride around London and the surrounding areas. 

The 100-mile challenge begins at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and winds through the closed roads of London to Surrey’s testing hills before heading back to the capital for a spectacular finish on The Mall in front of Buckingham Palace.

The time I am aiming and training for is 5 hours 30 minutes which will mean I will need to keep an average speed of just over 18mph!

Alzheimer’s is a disease which has affected many people in so many different ways. For me, my Great Grandmother Margaret had Alzheimer’s for 6 years before sadly passing in 2004 which was extremely difficult for all the family who saw their loved one go through all the horrible stages of the disease.

Currently, my close friend and Grandad, Peter Snr, is battling, and has been for 5 years, vascular dementia - this is part of the Alzheimer’s family and in his case, leads to regular memory loss.

I am keen to not go into detail about my two family members because I am very aware that lots of people are affected by the disease either directly or indirectly and I think it’s vitally important to remember that this disease, at this moment in time, has no cure.

To help support the ongoing research, care, support and amazing work of the Alzheimer’s Society, I am aiming to raise £1000 - any support you could give would be greatly appreciated! (Although my grandad might not remember!)

In training for the event, I am cycling the Pyrenees for 3 days in June with friends and will also be completing the Wales Velo on Sunday July 8th - a 140km ride from Cardiff through the Welsh Valleys. 

I will be posting regular updates on Instagram so please feel free to follow me @petehaynes06

Thank you in advance for your generosity and support and let’s all do our small bit to help beat Alzheimer’s and support those currently affected by it.

Pete