A GROUP of Herefordshire cyclists will be taking on a huge challenge to raise money for a fantastic cause this month.

On Saturday, June 22, and Sunday, June 23, 22 friends and family of the Snell family are taking to their bikes to raise money for The National Brain Appeal’s rare dementia support fund and The Race Against Dementia.

The cyclists will be biking around 75 miles a day starting at Windmill Hill, where the Snells farm, passing though Hay-on-Wye, and finishing their first day in Ludlow. The second day will take them through Bromyard, Ledbury and back to Windmill Hill to finish the 152 miles.

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They hope to spread awareness about the different, less well-known types of dementia particularly those that affect younger people, such as Frontotemporal Dementia, and raise money to split equally between the two charities.

Anthony Snell, who will be taking part in the challenge, said: “Myself, family and friends are all passionate about these charities because increasing numbers are affected, and going forward as a medical issue it should be prioritised”.

The cyclists have all been training hard for this challenge through both group and individual sessions.

Some of the Snells’ training has been done using Wattbike cycle fitness training with Ady Watts, who will be joining them on their two-day journey, in Rotherwas, Hereford

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And on Sunday, June 16, they are completing a 50-mile training session to help prepare them for the following weekend.

The National Brain Appeal’s rare dementia support fund supports people affected by 7 rarer dementias including the carers and families. Race Against Dementia was founded by Sir Jackie Stewart OBE after his wife’s diagnosis where they fund early-career researchers to help more quickly progress towards a cure for dementia.

Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD) is a group of dementias which mainly affects personality and behaviour or language and speech, depending on which areas of the brain are affected and leaves devastating effects on families and friends.

Currently, the team has raised just over £13,000 but aim to raise £20,000 by the end of their journey.