Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

On Thursday 14^th January 2016, I will be starting the biggest challenge of my life, Mount Kilimanjaro Trek in memory, and in celebration of my dearest Nain (Grandmother), Glenys.

I sadly lost my Nain to Dementia in July 2012 at the age of 77 after a long 5- year battle with the disease. Together with my Grandfather I cared for my Nain, I was her main carer and she was my best friend. Unfortunately after 4 years she had a fall which led her into a nursing home, here her condition deteriorated and she sadly passed away.

Dementia is caused by damage in the brain. The most common causes of dementia are called neurodegenerative diseases, and include Alzheimer's disease, frontotemporal dementia, and dementia with Lewy bodies. With these diseases, the brain cells degenerate and die more quickly than is part of the normal ageing process. This leads to a decline in a person's mental and, sometimes, physical abilities. The gradual changes and damage to brain cells are caused by a build-up of abnormal proteins in the brain.

Dementia is a common condition that affects about 800,000 people in the UK. The risk of developing dementia increases as you get older, and the condition usually occurs in people over the age of 65.

Dementia is a syndrome (a group of related symptoms) associated with an ongoing decline of the brain and its abilities. This includes problems with: memory loss, thinking speed, mental agility, language, understanding, judgement.

People with dementia can become apathetic or uninterested in their usual activities, and have problems controlling their emotions. They may also find social situations challenging, lose interest in socialising, and aspects of their personality may change.

A person with dementia may lose empathy (understanding and compassion), they may see or hear things that other people do not (hallucinations), or they may make false claims or statements.

Dementia is progressive, which means the symptoms will gradually get worse.

The Alzheimer's Society is a membership organisation, which works to improve the quality of life of people affected by dementia in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The organisation’s staff and volunteers provide both local information and over 2,000 services across the country to people affected by dementia in their communities. The local services include day care and home care for people with dementia, as well as support and befriending services to help partners and families cope with the demands of caring. From Dementia Cafés and innovative Singing for the Brain sessions to memory-book projects and group outings, their services provide both practical support and an essential point of human contact.

The Alzheimer’s Society is a charity that is close to my heart, the work they do is amazing and I hope that by me completing this challenge I can give something back. Although there currently is no cure, the charity works hard on finding new treatments which will increase the quality of life for sufferers.  

I would be so grateful if you could sponsor me and contribute to the very important work they do.

Thank you

Shaun x

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity. So it’s the most efficient way to donate – saving time and cutting costs for the charity.