Dad with Alzheimer's aged 30 hopes to take twins on 'trip of a lifetime'

A father-of-two from Nottinghamshire has become one of the youngest people in the country to be diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease - aged just 30.

Daniel Bradbury, from Hucknall, was diagnosed with early on-set Alzheimer's in September last year, and inherited the condition from his dad Adrian, who died aged 36.

Mr Bradbury and his partner, Jordan Evans, are now raising money to pay for a “trip of a lifetime” to make memories for their 18-month-old twins Lola and Jasper.

Commenting on his JustGiving fundraising page, Mr Bradbury says: “Unfortunately, due to the nature of my disease I haven’t been given a life expectancy but have been told that this disease works in patterns when inherited…we have also been informed that our children have a 50 per cent chance of inheriting this awful disease.”

He adds: “Like Alzheimer's seen in older generations I too have memory problems, mobility struggles, confusion and coordination difficulties. This disease is not only a burden to me, but it has been extremely difficult for my family and loved ones to come to terms with. I now rely heavily on my family, friends and partner to support me and our little family.”

The couple started a JustGiving page on 9 January with the hope of raising enough money to take their children to Disneyland Florida – something they had been hoping to do before the diagnosis.

So far, they have beaten their £10,000 target with over 800 supporters and raised nearly £18,000.

Mr Bradbury added: “As my memory fades I’m hoping this will create lasting memories for my partner and our children so that one day they can look back on the videos and photos of us all together and cherish the memories.”

Although often thought of as a disease of older people, around four per cent of people with Alzheimer’s are under 65 years of age. Symptoms of early-onset Alzheimer’s can include: memory problems which interfere with everyday life, confusion or disorientation, changes in personality and behaviour, as well as language and visual problems.

Clare Walton, from Alzheimer’s Society, said: “Dementia is not a natural part of ageing and it doesn’t just affect older people.

“Over 40,000 people under 65 in the UK have dementia, including people in their 30s and 40s. The needs of younger people with dementia are very different to those of older people and there is a shortage of age appropriate services in the UK.

“Alzheimer’s Society is currently funding research which we hope will improve diagnosis and support for people with younger onset dementia.”

To donate to Mr Bradbury’s JustGiving page go to: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/daniel-patrick-bradbury