Sunday, 4th August 2019 would have been the day my Dad turned 67. Instead, like 63,000 other people every year, he died with Dementia. It's the leading cause of death in England and Wales, accounting for 12% of all deaths.
Yet funding - for research into treatments and cures, and assistance for families living with dementia - remains woefully inadequate. Research funding into dementia is 13 times less than cancer research. This is despite dementia killing more people and costing our health and social care system more.
Having seen first hand what dementia can do to a person, and the effect it has on friends, family and quality of life I want to do what I can to correct this imbalance. I don't want anyone to ever have to go through the experience of seeing a loved one degenerate in the way dementia forces upon you.
It's my wish to see a cure for Alzheimer's Disease and other forms of dementia (like Pick's Disease, which my Dad had) both prevented and cured. But that will only happen with more research funding.
Alzheimer’s Society is transforming the landscape of dementia forever. Until the day we find a cure, they will create a society where those affected by dementia are supported and accepted, able to live in their community without fear or prejudice.
I'd like you to help me achieve that vision.
On the 67th anniversary of my Dad's birth I'm going to be taking part in RideLondon - a 100 mile bicycle ride beginning at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and finishing at Pall Mall, in Central London.
It's going to be tough - I cycle fairly often but the longest I've ever been is 48 miles. Four years ago. Luckily, I have 11 months to train and get myself ready. I'll be following the "Sofa to 50k" and "Improver's Training" plans from British Cycling. This page is where I'll share regular updates on my progress, and keep begging you for money!
Please please please help with whatever you can. I want to raise £600 but if that's all I manage I'll be disappointed. I want to double that, if I can, and make a huge difference to people's lives.
So join me. Follow my updates here, donate what you can, and - if you want - come and watch me on Sunday 4th August 2019.
Thank you!
