As part of a team of 5 I will be trekking 80KM across the Sahara Desert in 35 degree heat - to do something challenging to support the challenge of a future where memories aren't lost.

I am I’m one of the lucky ones in my generation so far. I’ve not had the trauma and pain associated with watching and supporting anyone I love through Alzheimer’s.

What I have seen is 2 of my closest and dearest friends go through the pain of their own Fathers forgetting who they are. There is no doubt that this was accompanied by some laughs, as often it’s the only way to get through.

The reality is that the older we get - material property and cash in the bank become a much lesser priority than the memories we have.

And when memories are all we have left, and they keep us going, what must it feel like for that person to one day not even know their own children or their significant other.

To imagine a world where one day I may forget walking across the desert with 4 phenomenal individuals scares me more than any other illness, but to hope for a world where research can find a cure or a suppression.

That’s worth a challenge any day!