Tuk the High Road
Published 29 October 2012
Two intrepid adventurers are taking on a challenge of a lifetime, as they ride a Tuk Tuk around the seven modern wonders of the world in a bid to raise £100,000 for Alzheimer's Society and War Child
Step-brothers Alexander Saxon, 29, and Kevan Pulfrey, 41, started their epic journey on Saturday 15 September. Their three-wheeled Tuk Tuk vehicle is capable of speeds up to 70mph and is exposed to the elements on three sides.
They set themselves the exciting challenge of travelling around the world in memory of their grandmothers who both passed away with dementia. Alexander's grandmother Margaret had Alzheimer's disease and died in 2005. He said,
'Dementia caused great distress to both our families. My grandmother, who lived on her own, became very adept at disguising her condition. She eventually saw a specialist, but was misdiagnosed, and forcibly removed from her home to hospital under the Mental Health Act. She lived for a number of years in a care home, but passed away on returning to hospital suffering with pneumonia.'
Kevan's grandmother Madge also had Alzheimer's disease. He added:
'This is why we are so keen to raise money for Alzheimer's Society. Watching my grandmother's deterioration was heartbreaking for our family, especially seeing how lonely and isolated she became, even with our help and support. It's really important to raise awareness of dementia as it affects 800,000 people across the UK. We hope to raise lots of money that can go towards helping people live well with the condition today and fund research to find a cure for tomorrow.'
Jeremy Hughes, Chief Executive of Alzheimer's Society said:
For more information on Alex and Kevan's challenge and to follow their exciting expedition, visit, www.tukthehighroad.com'We are very grateful to Alex and Kevan for their generous efforts in taking on this tough challenge. Their fundraising will make a difference to so many people with dementia and their carers. One in three people over 65 will develop dementia, so the condition will touch us all at some point.'