THE family of a woman who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s aged just 57 are raising money to fund research into the condition.

Susan Salisbury, who lived in Hitchin with husband Brendan, died this February aged 60, after being diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s in 2009.

Her family want to raise money in her memory which is why Brendan, daughter Hannah Gardner and son Thomas are taking on various feats for The Alzheimer’s Society.

Thomas took part in the Moonriders cycle ride from London to Cambridge – one of Susan’s favourite places – at the weekend, raising £700 which will be match-funded by his company LV=.

Brendan will be heading to the Portsmouth Memory Walk in September, marking a return to Susan’s hometown, while Hannah will take on the Great South Run in October.

They hope between them to raise more than £2,000.

“Each of us are doing our bit in memory of my wife and their mother,” said Brendan, 63.

“She [Susan] was very well known. She did her nurse training at Hitchin Hospital and worked there for a number of years. She was also manager at Westbourne Care Home.

“She spent most of her time in the care profession but unfortunately she had to take retirement due to ill health.

“There’s no history (of Alzheimer’s) in the family and I don’t think we will ever know the reason why. It’s obviously a very distressing period. Even before she was diagnosed, she wasn’t quite the same.”

Just 20,000 people under the age of 65 suffer from Alzheimer’s, with far fewer under the age of 60 being diagnosed with the condition.

To donate to the cause, visit www.justgiving.com/brendans-memory-walk-2013

Donations can also be made at The Alzheimer’s Society office in Hitchin.