The Memories Ride raises € 203,723 for research into dementia
More than 500 participants got on their bicycles today to raise money for research into dementia. From Amersfoort, four beautiful cycling routes of different distances had been mapped out by Alzheimer Nederland. Together €203,723,- and complete a daily day of it.
The Memories Ride, previously 2bike4alzheimer, is an annual cycling event. Most participants have to deal with dementia in their immediate environment, so their motivation and enthusiasm is high. Participants will cycle 40 km, 80 km, 120 km or 160 km from De Nieuwe Stad Amersfoort. Along the way they crossed the Unforgettable Kilometer.
They were met there by singer Sita Vermeulen. Forget-me-nots could be described and posted along special kilometres. The participants also passed portraits of loved ones and the memories of that time were reflected on. The Unforgettable Kilometer was closed with a swinging djembe band.
At four o’clock most participants had finished and Anita Witzier handed over the check of €203,723,- to Gerjoke Wilmink, director of Alzheimer Nederland, who also cycled along: “I saw many happy faces along the way and sometimes a tear, because almost everyone does anyone have in mind while cycling. But together we made beautiful memories. And we have put our shoulders to the wheel: a great proceeds for more dementia research! Many thanks to all participants and their sponsors.”
More research into dementia
In the Netherlands, 290,000 people have Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia. This number is expected to rise to more than half a million by 2040. There is much more to get started in causes, prevention, diagnosis, treatment of dementia and better care for people with dementia and their loved ones. Alzheimer Nederland can fund this research with the proceeds of the MemoriesRit.