Pete Collett is hoping to sign a first for Australians. On December 3 he will set out on his attempt to row the 2,900 nautical miles across the Atlantic Ocean. All this to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s Australia.
Collett is seeking sponsorship for both himself, and those who took part in a rowathon on September 16.
“I saw Alzheimer’s claim the mind and life of my grandmother,” says Collett. “As our population ages we all need to be aware of the increasing impact it is having on families, caregivers and society at large. Apart from fundraising and awareness, one of the best things people can do is to become aware of the risk factors and maintain a healthy brain through exercising both body and mind.”
The number of Alzheimer’s sufferers is sharply rising. Currently more than 13.7 million people in Asia Pacific suffer from dementia, of which 50 to 70 percent are Alzheimer’s sufferers. This year a further 4.5 million cases are expected to be diagnosed.
For more information on the Atlantic Solo Challenge, visit www.atlanticsolochallenge.com
