Merseyside cyclists raise more than £115,000 for dementia research

A team of 30 cyclists from Merseyside have completed a 70 mile charity ride from Blackpool Tower to Liverpool’s Royal Liver Building, helping to raise more than £115,000 for Alzheimer’s Research UK.

The Braveheart Cycle saw riders take on the challenge through Lancashire and the Sefton coast, passing through Preston, Southport, Formby and Crosby before crossing the finish line on Liverpool’s waterfront.

The fundraising milestone marks a major achievement for the annual event, which was founded by Merseyside campaigner and former Brookside actress Paula Muldoon in memory of her dad Michael, who died from frontotemporal dementia in 2012.

Since launching the initiative, Paula has spent more than a decade raising money and awareness for Alzheimer’s Research UK, bringing together cyclists of all ages and abilities to support dementia research.

Paula said: “Completing this year’s Braveheart Cycle and seeing our fundraising total pass £115,000 has been incredibly emotional. I started this in memory of my dad, Michael, after watching him live with frontotemporal dementia, and I know how heartbreaking this disease is for families.

“This event has never been about trained athletes. It’s about ordinary people coming together because they care. Every cyclist, every donor and every supporter has helped us do something meaningful in the fight against dementia. I’m so proud of the Braveheart team and so grateful to everyone who has supported us.”

Paula was appointed an Alzheimer’s Research UK Champion in 2014 and has continued to grow the Braveheart community ever since, encouraging new riders to get involved while creating a supportive and inclusive fundraising event.

Funds raised through the challenge will support Alzheimer’s Research UK’s work to develop new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat dementia.

Simon McDermott, Regional Fundraising Officer for Alzheimer’s Research UK in the North West, said: “Paula’s dedication to Alzheimer’s Research UK is truly exceptional. For more than a decade, she has turned the heartbreak of losing her dad Michael into hope for other families affected by dementia.

“To pass £115,000 is an extraordinary achievement and a testament not only to Paula’s determination, but to the incredible Braveheart community she has built. We are hugely grateful to Paula and every single rider, donor and supporter who has helped fund vital dementia research.”

He added: “One in two people will be directly affected by dementia in their lifetime, either by developing the condition themselves, caring for someone with it, or both. It is thanks to supporters like Paula and the Braveheart team that we can keep driving forward research towards new treatments, preventions and one day, a cure.”

The latest ride once again brought together cyclists from across Merseyside, proving that community spirit and determination can make a real difference in the fight against dementia.

You can support the Braveheart team’s fundraising here.

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