6 for 60

This is one of the last photos I took of my dad before he passed away earlier this year after his brave battle with Lewy Body Dementia with Parkinson's.

He's reading his "This is Roy's Life" photo book, which I'd made for his Christmas present from lots of wonderful photos taken throughout his life.

Alzheimer's is tough - for everyone involved.

Watching someone you love navigate this disease is incredibly hard, and I want to do something meaningful to honour his memory and fund vital support for other families.

During the last few months I have also decided to take a step back from work. Losing both parents creates a new perspective and after over 10 years of disabilities for both parents, where I've been their support both physically and emotionally, there's a hole.

So how to fill that hole?

With exactly 6 months to go until I turn 60, I have set myself a personal challenge called "6 for 60".

Over the next half year, I am taking on some physical endurance challenges to raise funds for the Alzheimer's Society.

My journey includes:

* Brecon Beacons and Black Mountains Trek - a grueling 2-day 47km mountain trek across rugged Welsh terrain, and a place which holds many wonderful childhood memories.

** The Great North Run - tackling the world's biggest half marathon.

*** The Camino de Santiago - Walking the 100km final stage of this historic pilgrimage completely alone for a week of reflection and determination.

**** Volunteering - with the Alzheimer's Society Cheer Team at the Manchester Half Marathon, giving my time and hands directly to a meaningful cause.

***** Tatton Half Marathon - pushing pacing and endurance limits on this beautiful and undulating course.

****** Cycling event - swapping running shoes for a 300km week-long cycling trek across the backroads of Morrocco to test a different kind of stamina.

Every penny raised goes directly to the Alzheimer's Society to fund research, campaign for change, and support people living with Dementia today. If you can donate, skip a coffee this week and throw a few pounds towards the page - it would mean the world to me and keep my legs moving through every single mile.

Thank you so much for your support.

Lots of love to Roy and Bronwen x

Maria