Carlisle cyclists to join 500 mile relay for Alzheimer’s Society

Twenty Nestlé staff will zoom through Brampton, Hexham and Wylam on Monday 4 July as they join the push to declare victory over a 500 mile cycle relay for Alzheimer's Society.

The team from Nestlé's site in Dalston, Carlisle will pedal their way to Fawdon, Newcastle, clocking up 58.5 miles in a day before passing the baton to the next team.

The team is one of eight to take on the Nestlé Site to Site Challenge, a tough fortnight-long cycle relay around Nestlé offices, starting at Girvan, Scotland and finishing in Croydon, Surrey.

More than 60 Nestlé staff across the UK are taking part in the cycle challenge, with the final team crossing the finish line at Nestlé's head office in Croydon on 14 July.

Nicola Gibson, Dalston Charity Champion, said:

'We are so excited about taking part. Parts of the route may be hard but I know the thought of raising so much money for Alzheimer's Society will keep us going. We have put a lot of work into our training and are raring to go!'

'We are raising funds to help run the charity's National Dementia Helpline, and to fund crucial research into dementia. In just 10 years a million people will be living with this devastating condition, so it's really important we raise as much as possible.'

Jeremy Hughes, Chief Executive at Alzheimer's Society, said:

'The cycle challenge promises to be a fantastic event, and I would like to wish the cyclists the best of luck. Alzheimer's Society supports people to live well with dementia today and funds research to find a cure for tomorrow. All funds raised through this event will help us continue our vital work.'

 -Ends-

Notes to editors:

About Alzheimer's Society

• One in three people over 65 will die with dementia
• Alzheimer's Society research shows that 750,000 people in the UK have a form of dementia, more than half have Alzheimer's disease. By 2021 a million people will be living with dementia. This will soar to 1.7 million people by 2051 
• Alzheimer's Society champions the rights of people living with dementia and the millions of people who care for them 
• Alzheimer's Society works in England, Wales and Northern Ireland 
• Alzheimer's Society supports people to live well with dementia today and funds research to find a cure for tomorrow. We rely on voluntary donations to continue our vital work. You can donate now by calling 0845 306 0898 or visiting alzheimers.org.uk
  
• Alzheimer's Society provides a National Dementia Helpline, the number is 0845 300 0336 or visit alzheimers.org.uk/helpline
  

About Nestlé

• Nestlé is one of the UK food industry's major exporters, exporting in excess of £260m worth of products each year to over 50 countries within the EU and the world
• Nestlé UK employs just over 4,500 people 
• Seventy Nestlé brands are sold in the UK
• Nestlé is committed to raise £250,000 for Alzheimer's Society as their Charity of the Year 2010/11