Windmill Care Team on Memory Walk Challenge

Bristol resident to cycle, walk, row and run in the name of dementia.

Inspired by the Olympian success of our Decathletes, Heptathletes and modern Pentathletes, Richard Deverson, 47, from Bristol will soon be taking on a challenge to surpass all challenges in memory of his Aunty Kath and his mother Betty who both passed away with dementia.

On 16 September, Richard and a team of family, friends and colleagues will be taking part in Alzheimer’s Society’s Memory Walk Marathon South, a 26 mile trek which begins at Stonehenge. However, instead of conserving their energy and taking a leisurely drive to Stonehenge, Richard and the team will be cycling 50 miles to the start line. On completing the marathon walk, Richard will then row the equivalent of the journey from Avebury, where the Memory Walk Marathon finishes, to Bristol where he lives. He will then complete his ‘Quadrathlon’ on 30 September by running the Bristol Half Marathon.

Richard’s Aunty Kath lived with vascular dementia and passed away in 2004. His mother, Betty was later diagnosed with Alzheimer’ Disease and passed away herself when she was just 82.

Richard, Operations Director of Windmill Care, who run Windmill House near Thornbury and Osbourne Court in Stoke Gifford, said:

‘I am taking on this challenge in memory of my mum and aunty. In 2004, my Auntie Kath died following a rapid decline after some years of 'confusion' - it was a shock for the whole family and it was clear we did not really understand what was happening to her and therefore how best to help her. When Mum was formally diagnosed later in 2004 we all understood a little more about the disease and were more prepared to cope with her deterioration as she experienced times of confusion and frequently repeated herself. Now, in 2012 Alzheimer's and all Dementias are openly discussed and awareness is good; however more support and funding for research is needed NOW to prepare us all for all our futures. The disease is shocking and seems relentless - however with the right support, help and understanding, life can be positive and stimulating and those living with the condition can stay in their own homes as long as possible.

‘I will be taking part in the Memory Walk Marathon with friends, family and colleagues and I am really looking forward to taking on the challenge to help support people with dementia and their carers - I urge everyone to sign up and join me. Together we can raise money to help more people like my aunty and mother to maintain a good quality of life for as long as possible.‘

The Memory Walk Marathon South is now in its third year. It will take walkers through over 6,000 years of British history, starting at the World Heritage site of Stonehenge and finishing at the Standing Stone Circles of Avebury.

Adrian Williams, Community Fundraiser for Alzheimer’s Society in the South West said:

‘It is fantastic that Richard has decided to take on such a difficult challenge for people with dementia. The marathon walk is an excellent opportunity for people to walk together with the common goal of fighting dementia. So join Richard by signing up today.’

Memory Walk 2012 is being held in partnership with Bupa Care Homes. Together, Alzheimer’s Society and Bupa aim to support more people living with dementia through the vital funds that are raised.

The Memory Walk Marathon South will take place on Sunday 16 September at 7:00am and will start at Stonehenge. To register for the Memory Walk Marathon please visit alzheimers.org.uk/mwsouth or call 0870 417 0192. There is a registration fee of £30.

click here for more details or to contact Osbourne Court