Dementia Support Line
Real stories
Cycling from London to Tokyo to fundraise for dementia
Both Adam and Tim's grandmothers sadly passed away with Alzheimer's disease. Here Adam shares how his special relationship with his Nan, Sheila Banks, and his love for music inspired him to undertake the challenge of a lifetime.
Adam Faulkner and his friend Tim Stephens have just returned from an epic 14 month journey around the world. In March 2018 the pair set off on their bikes from Hackney in London, with the ambition of cycling all the way to Tokyo.
The musicians cycled 25,000 km, through 26 countries and across 2 continents. Along the way writing an album of music inspired by the places they visited and people they met. Whilst all the time raising important funds for Alzheimer’s Society.
Adam and Tim made it all the way from London to Tokyo.
Adam's story: 'Me and my Nan had a very special relationship'
There were a number of things that inspired us to go on this trip. We were drawn to Japan as we’d never been. We didn’t want to fly so we cooked up a plan to cycle there.
As musicians we couldn’t contemplate going that long without making music. We decided we would make an album with people we met along the way.
We knew it would take a long time and be a big adventure. We climbed countless mountains on our bikes and got lost in deserts. But most importantly we met some of the kindest, most generous, warm and open people we’ve ever met in our lives.
Music and dementia
Music helps people remember who they are. Through personal experience, we’ve seen the positive impact that music can have for people with Alzheimer’s - both mine and Tim’s grandmothers had dementia. We want our album, when it’s finished, to be a symbol of that.
Years ago I remember watching a documentary which featured an old man in a nursing home listening to music. He was very unresponsive and barely spoke. When he listened to this music his face lit up and tears streamed down his face.
In that moment, I really saw how music unlocked something in people, who may be losing their way and identity.
My Nan loved Frank Sinatra. If you put it on, it was almost as if she forgot what was going on with her. She might not remember what she did ten minutes ago, but she could connect that music with a time and a place. It gave her memories back.
No matter how bad her condition got, I came to realise it would never destroy the music for her.
Choosing to raise money for Alzheimer's Society
With any big challenge, it’s important to raise money for a good cause. It was a no-brainer to do our bit for the Alzheimer’s Society. I think sadly everyone has a connection to this awful condition.
It affects so many people and we have to face up to the fact that it’s a fate that awaits many more. Anything we can do to stop it happening, or at the very least slow it down is important.
The only way to do that is by trying to find that breakthrough that can make a difference and that costs money.
A close bond
My Nan was a very special person to me - she will really be greatly missed
Me and my Nan had a very special relationship. We were always laughing and talking nonsense. I love people who are unashamedly themselves. She always told people what she thought of them. Luckily for me I was her grandson, so I could do whatever I wanted and she would always defend me!
My relationship with her did change due to her dementia. As it took more of a hold, she definitely softened and lost some of her spikiness - which was one of her best qualities.
Having said that, I remember showing her some music I had made and asked her what she thought. I shouldn’t have really expected a glowing review, but was still surprised when she said “not for me, that won’t be top of the charts”. She was definitely still in there! Her condition didn’t mean we couldn’t have a laugh.
I like to think I got the best out of her. I used to encourage her imagination to run wild, rather than trying to make any sense of what was going on around her. We could go on adventures just by talking about them. It was all playful pretence, but it used to make her smile a lot so I was happy.
My Nan was such a strong person - it’s a testament to how long she lived with the condition.
My Nan died a week before we got to Tokyo. When we got to Japan I knew she wasn’t going to make it. I was going to come back early but my mum said it was important to finish the journey for my Nan, so that’s what I did.
I believe she held on that long so I could go to her funeral. The funeral was really nice and positive. I was so happy that I got to go. I also got to speak and say all the things I wanted to.
Not only that, I got to take my Nan’s cardboard cut-out of George Clooney. My Nan was obsessed with George Clooney. I used to buy her a lot of memorabilia, which she used to love. It definitely got a lot of smiles!
Adam at Sheila's funeral with her beloved George Clooney!
More about Adam and Tim
You can find out more about Adam and Tim's amazing biking adventure and make a donation on their JustGiving page. You can find further details about the trip on their website. Stay updated on their music and future travels on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.
Organise your own fundraising event
Inspired by Adam's story? You can organise your own trek, cycle, swim or skydive to help us support more people affected by dementia. Or do something slightly less epic but equally important, like a coffee morning or bake sale.
Edward Andrew
saysFantastic work boys! This resonates with me very deeply as in 2015 i took part in the September Alzheimers UK Charity Cycle from London to Brussels, stopping along the way in Calais & Brugges. It was one of the best experiences of my entire life, and I would recommend it highly to anyone else out there thinking of doing the same thing. I trained for 8 months, improving with every session I did, in the rain, snow, & freezing cold in the early winter of 2015.
This Cycle was for my Nan who passed away in March 2015 from Dementia, and there's something very soothing about pushing yourself to the limit, with the memories of your Nan driving you up those hills and keeping you going when your body says no.
I'm actually a bit emotional typing this as I did that cycle in 2015 for my Nan also, and I know that at the end, it's the most satisfying feeling in the world. So well done guys.
If anyone from Alzheimers UK sees this post, i'd love to collaborate with you guys once again as I had such a great experience the first time round. I make a product called ArcticDry Waterproof Socks - https://www.arcticdry.co.uk/waterproof-socks and I'd love to provide these for free to all the riders who participate on these rides, to keep your feet dry in any of the poor weather you're likely to face.
Fantastic article, well done again guys.
Dorothy Blunt
saysWhat an outstanding achievement for such a worthwhile cause and in memory of such a special lady. I got to know Sheila in the last few years of her life, someone who was so full of fun, someone who loved travel and music, she would have been so proud of what these boys have achieved.
I have very fond memories of the "Barbra Streisand Concert Afternoon" we shared at my house. It was a joy to watch Sheila transfixed by the music, constantly smiling and eat cake and drinking tea. For just a few hours, she became herself again, it took her back to a time she remembered and loved. RIP Sheila you will never be forgotten. DOT
Dorothy Blunt
saysWhat a fitting tribute to a very lovely lady, someone who loved to travel and had a great love of music.
I had the great pleasure of knowing Sheila in the last few years of her life. I watched as the condition gradually took hold and made her a mere shadow of her former self.
I remember with great fondness the "Barbra Streisand concert afternoon" we shared together in my house, whilst she eat cake and drank tea. She never stopped smiling and singing along with the music, for those few hours she became her old self again it was as if a light had been switched on. RIP Sheila knowing you will never be forgotten.
Very well done to Adam/Tim for completing the journey for such a worthwhile cause in memory of our Sheila. Dotx
Diane Hose
saysAn amazing blog.
Well done to you both and a fantastic charity to support.
Your Grandmothers would have been very proud of your achievements.
Vicky Parkinson
saysWhat a lovely thing to do and a lovely tribute to your Nan.
I met Sheila and her family whilst working on the reception in the care home where she lived her final years. She was such a lovely lady and a real character. We spent many hours chatting about travelling and where George Clooney was going to whisk her away next.
She had a real sweet tooth and would never turn down a chocolate. She was such a lovely special lady. RIP Sheila xxx
Donna swanick
saysThank you for your amazing blog
What an amazing read
I had the privilege of looking after your nan during her stay at Upton Grange
It was a pleasure to talk about George with her, she always said my coffee was better than any he could make 😂
Glad you enjoyed your adventure
What an amazing experience it must of been. Xx
Linda Graham
saysSheila was my aunty, and I have fond memories of her and uncle Roy, she was so full of life the world is a sader place without her, dementia is a horrible illness that takes away their short term memories, she loved her family and they can look back on happy times RIP aunty Sheila xxx
Trudy Redfern
saysWhat a sad but moving story. It is heartbreaking that Adam never managed to see his beloved Grandmother before she passed away. However he completed his challenge in her memory in a very fitting way. No doubt she was very proud of his achievements.