Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

As I approach my 50th birthday later this year I thought it was time to start doing some of the things I have been putting off for a while. One of those things is climbing Mount Kilimanjaro - the highest freestanding mountain in the world and the highest mountain on the African continent at 5896m. Then I started thinking about whether I am actually capable of the challenge so I decided to do it for a purpose and not just  for myself. The prospect of  a significant personal challenge combined with the challenge of raising money for a worthwhile cause now gathers momentum. I have participated in a number of charity runs (short ones!) over the years but nothing like this. I have decided to climb Kilimanjaro  in June 2010 in aid of the Alzheimer's society.

Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia affecting some 417,000 people in the UK alone.  As yet there is no single cause that has been identified for Alzheimer's nor is there any cure, although some drugs may help slow deterioration if started at an early stage. I believe we need to fund more research and provide more help to those affected and to the family members who try and care for them. I have known a number of people who have tragically lost all quality of life as Alzheimer's has taken hold and yet they live. Who can really say with any certainty whether they are aware of anything or not? I have also seen the toll that caring for people with Alzheimer's has taken on those who try to care for them at home, the lack of qualified help available and finally the pain of not being able to cope any more.

We can do more - we must find out more about this terrible disease and  how to prevent and cure it. I am asking you to support my endeavours and donate to this cause.

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 and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

So please dig deep and donate now.

Thank you for your support

 

Liz

 

 

(A portion of the funds raised will help fund the climb but the society and those with Alzheimer's will benefit directly from the greater part of your donations)