River Meadows Challenge – Lands End to John O’Groats

In the UK there are around 850,000 people living with dementia. However, it often affects not only the individual living with the condition but also their friends and family. With predictions that one in three people over 65 will develop dementia, it’s likely everyone will be affected by it at some point in their life. Dementia usually occurs in people over the age of 65, however in the UK there are also over 40,000 people under 65 living with the condition. Symptoms include memory loss, problems with language, being confused and visual perceptual difficulties, but these differ greatly between individuals. The Alzheimer’s Society helps to raise awareness, support those living with dementia and carries out much needed research to help prevent and treat the condition. Everyone at River Meadows wanted to show their support and raise money as part of the Dementia Awareness Week (14th – 20th May 2017). We set ourselves a challenge to cycle 807 miles, which is the equivalent of riding from Lands End to John O’Groats. The only difference is we used a static exercise bike in the home. Staff, residents, family and visitors of River Meadows all came together for the challenge, taking it in turns on the bike and although we did not hit the 807 mile target we gave it a good go! We are all very proud of our achievements and we raised a grand total of £325.20. River Meadows has donated £80 to the Alzheimer’s society, with the rest going into the homes residents fund. With a bit more fund raising we hope to replace the garden furniture. Thank you to everyone who took part, it was a great effort by all!