As part of the Memory Cycle, I will be raising vital funds for research on Alzheimer’s disease at NeuRA.

For the last five years, NeuRA researchers have been part of an international study aimed at developing an early-detection test for Alzheimer’s disease. We need to understand how Alzheimer’s disease affects the body and the brain before obvious outward symptoms present, so we can prevent them. These breakthroughs are only made possible with the support of people just like you.

Alzheimer’s is a vicious disease that takes away your memory and independence. Every dollar you raise will go towards preventing or slowing the onset of Alzheimer’s disease.

The reason that I am so keen to support the work of NeuRA is that in 2008 my mother died from Alzheimer’s Disease having suffered its terrible debilitating effects for many years beforehand.  I also work as a Dementia Advisor for the Sydney Local Health District and so experience on a daily basis the devastating effect which Alzheimer’s Disease and other dementias have – not just on the person with the illness – but on their carers, families and friends. 

To prepare for the 300KM cycle journey across Cambodia, I'm up at 5.30am most mornings, either at the gym or cycling for an hour before work. I also have a personal trainer who I see each week to help keep me on track, advise me about appropriate exercise activities and help me avoid injury.  The preparation for the trip has been a challenge, but an enjoyable one and I know it will all be worth it, as I use my pedal power to ensure we are one-step closer to finding a cure for these debilitating diseases.  An added advantage is that exercise is one of the ways to help reduce the risk of dementia, which, given my family history is also an important motivation!

We are hoping to raise over $50, 000 as a team, which will ensure that NeuRA can continue their world-class research into finding treatments and discovering causes for a variety of neurological conditions. To take part in the NeuRA Memory Cycle 2015, I have personally pledged to raise $8000 and I need your help to reach my target.

Now, your part is easy. All you need to do is share your good fortune with NeuRA. If I can get 100 donations of $40 I’ll be half way there! But whether you can afford $5 or $500 every little bit will help.  All donations are tax-deductible and will bring me much closer to reaching my goal.