A Bacchus Marsh Biker is gearing up in his race against Alzheimer’s disease this year by competing in one of the country’s hardest off-road competitions.
In 2022 Peter Bedford represented the Australian Alzheimer’s Research Foundation in the Finke Desert race.
Bedford was spurred on to undertake the challenge, his third ever motorcycle race, by the loss of his father to early onset dementia.
His self-funded campaign raised $31,000 for the charity.
Now, Bedford is midway through a circuit of a dozen Enduro-races to build towards his biggest challenge yet – the 300km Hattah Desert Race.
The race will take place in July 50 kms from Mildura, and Bedford asking the community to “join the fight to save memories” by sponsoring his efforts, with 100 per cent of the money going to support Alzheimer’s research.
“Dementia and Alzheimer’s doesn’t discriminate against age… Early onset dementia and Alzheimer’s unfortunately has a history in my family with my father being put into full-time dementia care at 59 years of age,” he said.
“Along with this my Grandmother and great-grandmother on my dad’s side also succumbed to dementia-related illness.
“My main purpose is to bring much-needed awareness to Alzheimer’s disease and try to generate as much funding and support as possible.”
Dementia, which is primarily caused by Alzheimer’s disease, is the second leading cause of death in Australia.
More than 472,000 Australians are currently living with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease and there is currently no cure.
Donations can be made via Bedford’s JustGiving page.
Details: tinyurl.com/366c9f5d
