John Garrood, a Lloyds Banking Group customer relations adviser from Douglas, is gearing up to take part in an epic 969 mile cycling fundraiser travelling from Lands End to John O’Groats in the space of just nine days this coming September.

John, 26 is currently training hard along with 21 of his other colleagues from across the UK ahead of their challenge to raise ?95,000 overall for their chosen charities of the year – Alzheimer’s Society and Alzheimer Scotland.

Many of the participants have a personal interest in supporting the charity, and John is no exception. He said:

“I have had two very close family friends who were diagnosed with dementia. Seeing it first-hand has made me want to make a large-scale difference to the lives of those currently living with dementia and their carers. By taking part in the Ride Across Britain challenge, I hope to combine my love of cycling with the opportunity to raise funds for a great cause. After the success of Sir Bradley Wiggins and our local Manx stars Mark Cavendish and Peter Kennugh, I believe that the challenge is perfectly timed to inspire people in the Isle of Man and across the UK to raise funds for such a fantastic cause.”

The money raised through the Ride Across Britain challenge will support innovative new research into finding a cure for dementia, as well as Alzheimer’s Society, Alzheimer Scotland and Lloyds Banking Group’s pioneering ‘Live Well’ programme – an initiative designed to provide life-changing support for people living with dementia as well as their families and carers. Through a series of sessions, it aims to educate people about how to cope with day-to-day life and how to plan for the future.

John Bodenham, Director of Fundraising (interim) at Alzheimer’s Society, said:
“We are so grateful to the 22 Lloyds Banking Group fundraisers who are giving up their time not only to raise money but also hit the road and train to get themselves in shape for what will be an incredible and unforgettable experience.

“Dementia affects 800,000 people across the UK and the money raised through this challenge will help to ensure people with dementia and their carers have the best possible quality of life, as well as funding valuable research into a cure for the future.”

Graham Lindsay, Director of Responsible Business and Community Affairs at Lloyds Banking Group, said:

“Ride Across Britain is the latest in a series of challenges big and small undertaken by our colleagues to help contribute even more vital funds to the record-breaking ?4million we have already raised in the fight against dementia. We are thrilled that the money is being used to improve the lives of people affected by dementia today and in the future, as well as supporting the Group’s wider ambition to help Britain prosper.

“I’d like to wish John and the rest of the Ride Across Britain team the best of luck over the coming months with their fundraising and training in advance of this exciting charity challenge.”

If you would like to sponsor John please visit http://www.justgiving.com/JohnGarrood