I guess people only associate with certain charities when they are directly linked to someone with the disability or disease. Dementia is one of those that can happen to us all later in life and while it may not be preventable we can work together to ensure families have the right support and there are secure facilities available with professional staff. Every little helps

I have started a bit of training on my mountain bike to hopefully work up to the new version of the Gran Fondo next year …all being well! To make it more interesting and for a bit of an incentive, I thought it would be good to do a bit of fundraising. Recently, I met my target for a friend’s charity Huntington’s, and finally after years of research, they have found a treatment. Proof that fundraising does actually make a difference 😊

This challenge will be for the charity Forget Me Not, another charity close to my heart. Sadly, my mum was diagnosed with 3 types of dementia earlier this year. This was a sudden onset triggered by an accident in the home. Although she is still with us, she is not the same person and struggles with short-term memory. Some days are better than others.

She is now settled in a Care Home that specializes in dementia patients. We are lucky to have such a place on the Isle of Man. Some days sitting with mum and watching the other residents is quite emotional; to think they were once independent and active people. The staff do a wonderful job caring for them, some of whom have no visitors sadly.

I would like to raise money for this charity to help towards caring for other families who struggle at home with early onset dementia. Please join me in making this possible as I participate in my cycling challenge of 200 miles in October, 2025! Your support can truly make a difference 😊