Karl Thursfield
Karl's page
Fundraising for Alzheimer's Society
Story
Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.
I have set myself the challenge of cycling 300 miles from London to pairs in aid of raising awareness of Alzheimer / dementia. Sadly my uncle is currently suffering with this disease and for those of you who know or have witness this first hand will agree that it is indeed a terrible disease that does not discriminate and takes no prisoners.
A little history on Uncle Alan. He first served as a Cadet and then became a Police Officer in the Birmingham Force from 1957 to 1969, he later transferred to the Devon and Cornwall Force where he was promoted to traffic sergeant and retired in 1991.
Uncle Alans plan for retirement was to play golf and enjoy family life with little to no pressures. Sadly this was not to be, ill health set in and uncle Alan was diagnosed with Ocular Myasthenia Gravis which resulted in lots of hospital visits and brain surgery.
As a result Alan suffered with gradual cognitive decline later leading to the dreaded diagnosis of DEMENTIA in 2008. Uncle Alans life was now replaced with attendance at memory cafe, cognitive stimulation classes and Day-centers.
Finally in 2016 his increasing needs meant that he became a resident in an EMI Nursing Home. He remains cheerful but it is very hard for his family to see the once active man, now dependent on others for everything.
Hopefully the money raised will allow us to help others suffering with the disease, so please any thing you can spare will be greatly appreciated.
Karl