My amazing carers at the St Albans branch of Helping Hands care agency are giving up something they rely on to keep them going, for the whole of October, to raise money for Alzheimer’s Research UK. They are going without such necessities as chocolate, coffee, reality TV and social media.

They care for many people living at home whose memories and abilities are being taken away by dementia. The chances of developing dementia are 1 in 14 over the age of 65, rising to 1 in 6 over age 80 (currently 42,000 people under 65 in the UK have the condition).

I’m joining in by giving up watching television (except when sharing something with Mum!) and would be very grateful if you could support the team’s efforts by donating to the charity.

Many thanks.