Sundowning — An Everesting of Holme Moss
Alex Dyson is raising money for Alzheimer's Society
In memory of Michael Rogers, Rita Dyson, Philip Dyson & Pauline Hall
Story
Sometimes you might see changes in a dementia sufferer's behaviour in the later afternoon or towards the end of the day. During this time, the person may become intensely distressed, agitated and have hallucinations or delusions. This may continue into the night, making it hard for them to get enough sleep. This is known as ‘sundowning’ .
Within the space of a year, my family lost four loved ones who were living with dementia. My grandparents Michael, Rita and Philip and my partner's grandma Pauline. During this period, I found cycling as a way of slowly processing and dealing with my grief, which in turn served as a form of therapy.
When I was young, my grandparents would drive me up to the top of Holme Moss in their caravan and we would enjoy a meal together while looking out at the view over the Holme valley. Since they passed, cycling up this climb always makes me feel closer to them.
During this year's Summer Solstice period, when the sun is shining the longest, I will be riding up the southern ascent of Holme Moss repeatedly until I reach the height of Mount Everest as a way of fundraising for Alzheimer's Society, who work towards a world where dementia no longer devastates lives.
This will no doubt be the hardest thing I have done on two wheels, and I hope you will support me by donating in memory of those that we miss.
A special mention to Northworks for creating the media around this project and helping tell the story in memory of Helga Dankowycz.