Alzheimer's Research UK

Suffolk fundraiser steps up to the challenge for Alzheimer’s Research UK

01/05/2012

Paul Forshaw from Exning will join hundreds of people when he steps out for Alzheimer’s Research UK’s Big Walk in Cambridgeshire on Sunday 13 May. Paul aims to boost funds for the UK’s leading dementia research charity as his mum Muriel has Alzheimer’s disease and now needs 24-hour care.

The nine mile circular Big Walk starts in the picturesque village of Comberton in South West Cambridgeshire. Walkers will enjoy exploring peaceful country lanes and an off-road ramble, following tracks through fields and country paths, alongside beautiful woodland areas.

Paul, 59, took part in Alzheimer’s Research UK’s first Big Walk in 2011. He works part time as a criminal defence lawyer with Oslers Solicitors in Stowmarket and Cambridge and also cares for his wife Alice who has multiple sclerosis.

He said:
“I really enjoyed last year’s Big Walk and I’m looking forward to joining in again. I want to do as much as I can to raise money and awareness as research into Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia is still desperately underfunded.

“My mum has struggled with Alzheimer’s for many years and is now in her 90s. When she was younger she was a nurse and was such a capable and even tempered lady. This devastating disease has gradually robbed her of her knowledge and precious memories. She can’t do anything for herself anymore and sometimes gets furious and aggressive when people try to help her - it’s very distressing.

“New treatments are urgently needed and I’m really pleased to help the experts, Alzheimer’s Research UK. It’s good to know that everyone on the Big Walk will have the same aim in mind and understand what my mum and my family are going through.”

Miranda Mays, Community Fundraising Manager for Alzheimer’s Research UK, said:
“We greatly appreciate Paul’s support and are delighted he’s taking part in our Big Walk for a second time. It promises to be a really fun day with a very positive focus.

“We need as many people as possible to join us on Sunday 13 May to help us reach our Big Walk goal of raising £50,000. Every step taken and every penny raised will bring us closer to finding ways to diagnose, prevent, treat and cure Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.

“There are 820,000 people across the UK living with dementia today, including over 9,000 people in Suffolk. Dementia poses one of the greatest threats to public health now and in the future but funding for research lags far behind other serious diseases. We rely entirely on our wonderful supporters like Paul to fund our vital research.”

Alzheimer’s Research UK’s Big Walk starts at 10am on Sunday 13 May, at Comberton Village College, West Street, Comberton, Cambridgeshire CB23 7DU. To take up the challenge telephone 01223 843899 or email bigwalk@alzheimersresearchuk.org. Suggested registration is £15 for adults and £7.50 for under 18s - well behaved dogs are welcome too. More information is available online at www.alzheimersresearchuk.org/big-walk

To help Paul raise money for Alzheimer’s Research UK’s world-class dementia research donate online at virginmoneygiving.com/PaulForshaw