My Camino Challenge

I am walking to raise money for The Alzheimer’s Society.

Between 2nd and 19th September 2023 I will walking the Camino de Santiago. The trek will start on the north coast of Spain at Ribadesella and finish at the beautiful city of Santiago de Compostela, covering about 250 miles (more when I get lost!) and will take 18 days.

I am looking forward to the beautiful Spanish scenery as well as the physical and mental challenge the trek will present.

Why? I aim to raise at least £5,000 for The Alzheimer’s Society .

Alzheimer’s disease is just one form of dementia. Few people truly understand the effect dementia has on the patient on the carer and wider family. Dementia is a very serious and debilitating disease which causes the degeneration of the brain. It causes, confusion, a loss of the ability to process information and the ability to do basic tasks. As the disease progresses, the effects become more extreme, resulting in problems with personal care, confusion as to the time of day, extreme personality changes and extremely challenging behavior, often involving aggression and violence.

Dementia does not just afflict the elderly, my own wife, Sally, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease at the age of 57. She is now in the advanced, late stage of the disease with all the challenges that presents. Sally no longer lives at home.

There is currently no cure for any of the forms of dementia and until there is a cure, people afflicted with dementia and their carers need support and as the disease progresses the more support they need. In truth there is not anywhere near enough support available.

And that is why I am raising money for the Alzheimer’s Society, because without funds, there will never be research for a cure and without funds there will never be the care and support sufferers and their carers so badly need.

Please give as generously as you can.

Thank you.

John

Alzheimer’s Society is transforming the landscape of dementia forever.

Until the day we find a cure, we will create a society where those affected by dementia are supported and accepted, able to live in their community without fear or prejudice.