49-year-old Michael Thorne, from Kirk Michael, who is a community mental health professional will be taking on the challenge of trekking the Grand Canyon in March 2016 to raise vital funds for Alzheimer’s Society.

Michael qualified as a mental health nurse in 1987 and much of his career has been spent working in the care of the elderly. Michael knows only too well the journey that people with dementia go on as a big part of his job involves him assessing people who are experiencing memory problems.

Michael said: “I am often the first person that people will come into contact with if they have any concerns regarding their memory. I will then refer people to a consultant and offer support and advice to the person with dementia and their family. Over the years I have seen many changes in dementia care and how this affects people’s lives.

‘I believe that with the correct funding and improving people’s understanding of dementia we can improve lives and help people live well with dementia and one day hopefully find a cure.

I have chosen to trek the Grand Canyon for Alzheimer’s Society on the 8th of March as it is a subject that I deal with on a daily basis and see the heartache of a diagnosis not only on the individual but on those close to them.”

Michael has raised money for Alzheimer’s Society previously by completing the Inca Trail and trekking to Machu Picchu in Peru. If people want to donate money please go to www.justgiving.com/mikethorne. 

Alzheimer's Society community fundraiser for the Isle of Man, Jo Dobbie, said: ‘It’s great that Michael is giving his time to support Alzheimer’s Society. As a charity, we rely on the generosity of individuals like Michael to help us continue our vital work so that Alzheimer's Society can continue leading the fight against dementia.’

Alzheimer’s Society provides a wide range of support in the Isle of Man. For more information please go to www.alzheimers.org.uk/localinformation or call The Alzheimer’s Society Isle of Man office on 01624 613181.