Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

On 9th July three pals and I (James, Tom, and Dave) will take part in the Etape du Tour de France. On the same route as stage 14 of the Tour de France, between Annemasse and Morzine, we’ll be riding 157km with more than 4,100 metres of accumulated positive elevation gain, in one day.

Why? To raise money for the Alzheimer’s Society.

Last year my dad was diagnosed with a particularly aggressive form of vascular dementia. His decline over the space of 12 months has been unbelievable, culminating in him having to be taken into full time care back in November.

This cruel disease took hold of my dad and with the exception of medication that we can administer to manage the symptoms, there is nothing that can be done to slow down his rate of regression, and there is currently no cure.

I’ve witnessed first hand the impact this has had on my family and his close friends but I also know several other friends who have, and still are going through the same thing. It’s devastating for each and every one of them, and whether they are providing full time care for their loved ones at home, or they have been forced to make the very difficult decision to move their loved ones into supported care, it’s an incredibly difficult thing for anyone to go through.

The Alzheimer’s Society provides support services to those suffering with dementia and their families. They also fund critical research into finding a cure for dementia which is something I hope and pray happens as soon as possible.

So this is why I’m taking on this challenge. It will be the hardest physical challenge I’ve ever embarked on and having completed several training rides to date that have been particularly gruelling, yet minor in comparison, I can honestly say I’m a touch nervous. That said, every pound I’m able to raise in the process will ease the pain and I am incredibly grateful to anyone who chooses to donate, especially at a time when I know we have to select carefully the causes we wish to support.