Riders of Charity for Mind & Alzheimer's Society

In 2019 my mum, Maggie, passed away from complications surrounding Alzheimer's.  My mum had been ill for many years, following several major strokes and Addison's disease.  I was shocked by the cruelty of Vascular Dementia and how quickly it claimed her. I felt that my mum had already passed, and what was left was only a shell. I decided I needed to do something to raise awareness and money for Alzheimer's Society.  Support is essential for those affected by Alzheimer's and more research is vital to hopefully find better treatment and ultimately a cure.

The second charity I am raising money for is Mind. I have battled with mental health throughout most of my life, struggling to find balance and focus. I was unaware of this charity during my darkest days but now I know they could have helped me find the support and help I needed a lot sooner. Many people out there are in need of some light, so raising awareness of this charity is key. Mind lobby the government on key issues surrounding mental health and provide vital support to those in difficult times.  When my mental health was at its worst the feeling of being alone made everything harder to face and deal with. Once we realise that we are not alone, the freedom is afforded to acknowledge and progress with recovery and management. Conversation and honesty can be as powerful as a cure. 

My first plan to raise money was to Kayak around the UK, why I have no idea as I have only kayaked once and I capsized before leaving the jetty! In 2018 I got my first motorbike and fell in love completely. In my mums youth she danced between the Mod's and the Rockers, and would always speak about those days with smile.  I wish we could have enjoyed a bike ride out together. When she passed away I used my inheritance to purchase half a bike, my fiancée purchased the other half. The idea suddenly hit me to do a big ride in her memory.  So in 2020 I started to organise Riders of Charity (ROC), planning a big ride from Lands End to John O'Groats. A small urn of my mothers ashes will accompany me on the journey, so we can have that ride together.

This is not a rush job though, this is a gentle and long ride spread over 12 days. Each day takes the most scenic routes such as the Brecon Beacons, Snowdonia, Glencoe, Loch Lomond, Loch Ness, Applecross and Wester Ross.  I am inviting the biker community to join me, for as much or as little of the ride as you would like. All I ask is that you pay a small donation to join, this will then be split equally between the two charities (Mind and Alzheimer's Society). All expenses incurred on your trip are your own, nothing comes out of the charity funds.

Thank you for your support

Victor David