Dementia is simply awful. To watch it take the heart, soul and character of those that you love is utterly heart-breaking.

I saw this first hand with my wonderful Nan, who fought valiantly until she passed at 105 against something that slowly took away the person that I loved so very much.

Sadly, I have become more and more aware over the last few years of other friends and family who have been affected by dementia, and have seen the pain and suffering they have gone through, and continue to, as they've watched those closest to them succumb to this dreadful disease.

As it something that is very close to my own heart, I am going to put my self through some physical and mental, pain and suffering to raise valuable funds in the continued fight against it.

I will be riding from Aviva's York office to our HQ in London over three days. A total of 500km, and 5000m of elevation along the route. I have never ridden this far in such a short space of time over consecutive days. Day 2 of the ride will cover 230km, which is the furthest I have ever ridden in one day, surpassing the 211km I rode in the one day charity ride I did last year. This will be beyond tough as I only got back on my bike in July this year having not ridden it since last September.

I know that times remain financially tight, so if you are able to spare a few pounds I would be very grateful. Thank you.