East Lancashire fundraiser aiming for Everest challenge (From Lancashire Telegraph)

East Lancashire fundraiser aiming for Everest challenge

5:00pm Wednesday 19th September 2012 in News

FUNDRAISER Gavin Roper is asking local people to support his climb to the Everest Base Camp by buying a specially-made wrist band.

Gavin, 36, from Fence, is taking on the Everest challenge in November to raise funds in memory of his dad Bruce, who died after suffering with Alzheimers.

He has brought out the special wrist bands, emblazoned with the message ‘Moving Mountains with Dementia’, to help raise further funds.

Gavin said: “I produced these wristbands to help raise vital funds for the Alzheimers charity and to help get me to the challenge, as well as supporting my mission to raise awareness. As a local lad, I am hoping the local community will help me in my efforts to reach my target of £5,000 overall.

“It would be a proud moment if I walked down the high street and see local people wearing the bright blue wristbands.”

Gavin has previously climbed Mount Kilimanjaro to raise funds for charity, and has raised over £8,000 for Macmillan, and is now raising funds for the Alzheimer’s Society.

He said: “My dad died with Alzheimer’s disease in April 2011, so I have first-hand experience of this devastating disease.

“Having seen what it did to my dad, who was so strong, active and fit, I feel very strongly that more awareness and understanding is needed. I didn’t know how dementia affected the person and people around them until my dad was diagnosed.”

The wrist bands are on sale for £2, at Accrington Football Club, Cockers Sports Shop, in Burnley, the Shagor Indian Takeaway, in Burnley, Fence Village Store, Nelson Manor Care Home, James Tricketts Insurance Brokers, in Rawtenstall, and Gingers Hair Studio, in Burnley.

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