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Record summer temperatures didn’t stop one young donor raising funds for our Alzheimer’s Dementia and Parkinson’s research

12-year-old Ethan D’Sa was inspired to take part in a fundraising cycle ride after his grandfather was sadly diagnosed with dementia and Parkinson's disease.

Ethan D'Sa
Ethan D'Sa (right) and his father during the challenge

Organised by Ethan’s school, the journey took place in the middle of July’s heatwave and covered over 300 miles from Hull to Felixstowe. It successfully raised over £1,300.

"I remember one of the days vividly," Ethan said. "We were cycling from Boston to Lincoln in 41-degree heat. I lost count of how many litres of water I drank that day and was exhausted by the end!"

Explaining why he took part, Ethan said: "Because of my grandfather, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease are medical conditions very close to my heart. I can see the devastating effect they have on the individual and the people around them, in this case, my grandma.”

Ethan didn't have any trouble finding sponsors. "Everyone was supportive when they found out the cause we were raising money for," he said. "It's sad that most people know someone with dementia.”

For anyone considering following Ethan’s lead and raising funds, he has one piece of advice: "Do it with friends; it's fun and you will also achieve a lot more."

If you have been inspired by Ethan to support our Alzheimer’s, Dementia and Parkinson's research and would like to discuss ideas, please get in touch with our fundraising team.

You can also discover further ways to support NTU priority projects.