A DEVOTED son is getting on his bike and pedaling the length of the country to support other families facing dementia.
Simon Baker said he felt like he was being ‘thrown in at the deep end’ when his mum, Christine, was diagnosed with the disease and is calling for a clear pathway for families to get support.
To do this he is preparing to take on the 1,189mile ride from Lands End to John O’Groats in August to raise funds for Dementia UK in honour of Christine who now live in Blossomfield Grange in Solihull having spent 40 years in Olton.
The charity have a number of nurses who are on hand for families on the end of a phone or by visiting those with dementia with to live independently longer.
Simon, from Shirley, said: “Not having any experience with dementia before, I was surprised when the doctor handed me over an A4 sheet of paper with telephone numbers and contact details, and that was it.
“Over to me. Get on with it.
“Not knowing which way to turn, it was like being thrown in the deep end.
“There needs to be a clear pathway for families with loved ones diagnosed with dementia.”
This is the longest of a number of rides Simon has take on since getting back on his bike four years ago after a 40 year break.
To prepare for next summer’s cycle he completed a London to Paris cycle earlier this year and will be taking on the Ride London 100mile challenge in the spring.
He said: “I am aware there are some brutal hills to encounter in Devon and Cornwall and there is over 9,000feet of cycling hills alone on the first day.
“So I am knowing what to expect and as such am preparing accordingly which includes many hours training, and diet.”
Simon hasn’t set a limit on how much he wants to raise, he said: “I understand that is difficult in this current climate, with everyone feeling the squeeze, so every pound raised is invaluable.
“The economy is crippling everybody, including the charity sector, so if you could give just a little, I promise when cycling I will give my all.”
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