By 2025, over one million people across the UK are expected to be living with dementia, and whilst this heart-breaking condition has no cure, support is available through Dementia UK’s specialist Admiral Nurses, who work directly with families affected by all forms of dementia, every single day.

Fundraising really is the lifeblood of so many charities, and every few years I like to play my part in trying to make a difference. This May, I’m going to be joining a group of colleagues, on a five-day cycle expedition across Italy, taking in over 360km of cross-country terrain, from Rimini to Pisa. I’m not a natural cyclist and Lycra is certainly not my thing (neither is helmet hair), but I’m willing to put in as much training as will be required to give it my best shot!

Many of you will already have your preferred charities and continue to support them wonderfully, but today I am asking whether you would consider making a contribution to Dementia UK on my behalf. The demand for Admiral nurses really does go beyond anything anyone realises and, from a personal perspective, I’ve witnessed close friends and family encounter this horrible disease – it really is devasting.

I know it’s cliché, but any amount is warmly and gratefully received and will go towards the incredible work and research undertaken by Dementia UK as they face the daunting impact of this disease within our ageing population.