Norwich student's charity bike ride inspired by his gran
Matthew SparkesA UEA student has organised a charity bike ride to raise money for research after his grandmother was diagnosed with dementia.Luis Forte, 19, who is studying environmental science after studying at Notre Dame High School in Norwich, said his grandmother was diagnosed with Alzheimer's three years ago and he wanted to help fund research into the condition.Matthew Sparkes
A UEA student has organised a charity bike ride to raise money for research after his grandmother was diagnosed with dementia.
Luis Forte, 19, who is studying environmental science after studying at Notre Dame High School in Norwich, said his grandmother was diagnosed with Alzheimer's three years ago and he wanted to help fund research into the condition.
'It's quite advanced now. She can't recognise people,' he said. 'It started off with just little things that you could pass off as forgetfulness and then it got worse.'
'I just thought I would do something to raise awareness for old people.'
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Mr Forte originally hoped to raise �200 for the Alzheimer's Society with the event, but the target was reached so quickly that he had to increase it. He is already more than a quarter of the way towards reaching his new goal of �1,000.
Fellow environmental student Jack Clough, 19, is also taking part in the ride because his grandmother suffers from Alzheimer's. 'I thought it would be a really good thing to do,' he said.
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The ride, which has been named Grey Pride, will take place on April 21 and run 15 miles around the city before returning to the start point.
Anyone is welcome to enter the ride, which starts at 1pm outside the Lily Langtree on Unthank Road, and riders are encouraged to wear fancy dress on the day.
All the money raised will go to the Alzheimer's Society, which invests �1.5 million in scientific research towards a cure each year.
It also provides day care services, home help and offers support to friends and family of those suffering from dementia.
For more information on the ride contact Mr Forte on piano.forte@hotmail.co.uk or to donate cash to the event visit www.justgiving.com/greypride.
Are you arranging an event for charity? Contact reporter Matthew Sparkes on 01603 772439 or email matthew.sparkes@archant.co.uk.
