Richard Gough                                 

Hi, my name is Richard Gough and I have been married to Mandy for 21 years and have 2 daughters, Chloe (13) and Alyssa (10).

I am the “Chris Moyles” of this particular Kilimanjaro trip, as recent pastimes seem to have mostly been eating and drinking! 

 I needed some focus to shed some weight and get fit, so here I am, another idiot climbing three hills in 24 hours (or as near as we can manage it, if it’s 25 hours I’ll be happy with that).

 I used to do a lot of climbing and walking when I was younger, but the exciting stuff I achieved was so long ago I can barely remember it.   So I know what’s in store and realise it’s going to be tough.

 So far I’ve lost 1½ stone (still the fat boy of the team though!), but have been on the cross trainer regularly, cycling locally and have discovered jogging!

 My chosen charity is the Alzheimer’s Society.  

 Dementia affects over 700,000 people in the UK and 1 in 3 people over the age of 65 will die with a dementia. Dementia is not a normal part of aging and is caused by diseases of the brain.  It can affect people as young as 30; approximately 15,000 younger people in the UK have dementia.

100,000 people develop dementia every year and it costs the country 17 billion pounds per year

I am raising money for the South Cheshire Branch.  Although part of a national charity, the branch is entirely self funded.  The branch receives funding from the local PCT and Cheshire East Council which just about covers staff salaries.

 Money raised will go directly to providing support services to people with dementia and their families.  The branch support these people in a number of ways; weekly luncheon clubs for both the carer and cared for, a maintaining skills group for the person with dementia, a walking group for younger people with dementia and the branch has two Support Workers who give one on one holistic support to people living with dementia.

 More information on the work of the Society and dementia can be found at www.alzheimers.org.uk