Family join Sale grandad in charity skydive (From Messenger Newspapers)

Sale grandad and his family to boost Alzheimer’s Research UK

9:00am Friday 13th July 2012 in News

A BRAVE Sale grandad will plummet over 14,000 feet in a tandem skydive, to boost funds for Alzheimer’s Research UK.

Fred Walker, aged 74, will be joined by his family in taking the plunge at the North West Parachute Centre in Cockerham, Lancashire on July 15.

Also taking on the skydiving challenge will be Fred’s son James, 47, daughter Suzanne, 44, grandson Stephen, 20, and family friend Christine Taylor, 44.

They aim to raise hundreds of pounds for the UK’s leading dementia research charity in memory of Joan Walker - wife, mum and grandma, who died with Alzheimer’s disease in 2010, aged 70.

Fred, who has three grown-up children and six grandchildren, said:“Three generations of our family will be skydiving to raise much needed money to defeat Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.

“The day will also mark the second anniversary of losing Joan to this devastating disease.

“Joan had a four year struggle with Alzheimer’s. By the time we realised something serious was wrong and received the diagnosis, it was too late to do anything – there was no turning back.

“Alzheimer’s is a devastating disease and I want to do as much as I can to raise money and awareness for the experts, Alzheimer’s Research UK.”

To help Fred and his skydiving team raise money for crucial dementia research, donate online today at www.justgiving.com/teams/flyingwalkers or call the fundraising team at Alzheimer’s Research UK on 01223 843899.