National 3 Peaks Challenge For Alzheimer’s Research

Myself and 3 of my mates, Ross, Carlos and Harvey will be attempting to complete the National 3 peaks challenge on the 30th of August, in an effort to raise fund for the noble Alzheimer's research UK charity.

Alzheimer disease is one of the many conditions covered under the umbrella term of Dementia, which close to 1 million people currently suffer from. But why Alzheimer's for me? This is a condition which sadly I have seen first hand the impact it has, not only on the individual, but the family surrounding them too. This is why I believe it is important to act now, and aid in the pursuit for better treatments for those with this condition

The choice to carry out the 3 peaks challenge is a tribute to my late grandad, Albano, who sadly passed away in 2020 as a results of the Alzheimer's disease. In his life as a sheep farmer on the outskirts of his hometown, Lizzano in Belvedere, he routinely made the journey from the farm, located up in the mountains that surround, to the town to sell produce to help support his family despite him only being 13. Supporting his family was always his main priority, as his work ethic continued once he moved over to England and started his own family. He sometimes worked 12 hours a day, 7 days a week to ensure there was a roof over my Mum's, Nan's and Aunty's heads, while also ensuring to continue help his family back in Italy. His story is something which I myself, never got to ask him about, as his Alzheimer's had progressed too far for him to recall much of his life by the time I was old enough to understand. Sadly this means I never truly got to know the man who set an example for me through his stories alone.

But another example I see would be through my own mum, who cared for my grandad throughout his battle, caring for my grandad just as he had cared for her all her life.

And now its time to go through it again. Following my Nan's visit to the memory clinic she was officially diagnosed with Alzheimer's last month. I'm lucky enough to have known my Nan well, which I am grateful for, but this too comes with its downfall, as the change from how my Nan used to be, to how she is now, is all the more evident.

The reason for the stories are to show the impact Alzheimer's can have, on families, on friends and on loved ones. A progression in the treatment of Alzheimer's may be the difference of a grandchild truly getting to know their grandad or not.

That's why, if you can, please donate. Alzheimer's research UK is currently working hard on discovering more about the nature of Alzheimer's which they are using to work towards better treatments and a cure. If you would like to learn more about the charity's work, then the link to their current projects is as follows: https://www.alzheimersresearchuk.org/dementia-information/types-of-dementia/alzheimers-disease/research/#Projects

Thankyou for taking the time to read this message and thank you for your donation if you can spare it.