Alzheimer’s Research UK has been named as the chosen charity for the 2013 Mitsibushi Motors Badminton Horse Trials.
Triple Olympic gold medalist, Richard Meade, showed his support for the decision and visited the course in January.
Jamie and Vicki Graham, who are friends of Richard’s, nominated the charity after Jamie was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s five years ago, aged 59.
Richard Meade, who won Badminton in 1970 and 1982, said: “Jamie and Vicki are dear friends and I’ve seen how their lives have been turned upside down by this devastating disease.
“Alzheimer’s Research UK is the expert and its involvement with the Badminton Horse Trials is a wonderful opportunity to raise awareness of the charity’s vital research and the need for more funds.”
Vicki Graham said: “Badminton is a regular event in my calendar and I’m so delighted it [Alzheimer’s Research UK] has been selected as charity of the year.
“Before his diagnosis, Jamie had a high-powered job in IT. Since then he’s had to give up so many things. I would so dearly love to see new treatments found to give hope to so many people like Jamie. Research is the only answer.”
The charity specialises in finding preventions, treatments and a cure for dementia.
Badminton 2013 (2-6 May) tickets are now on sale — for more information visit www.badminton-horse.co.uk.
