400km Portugal cycle challenge in brother's memory

George has taken up the challenge of cycling from Albufeira to Fatima in Portugal and hopes to raise £800 for Alzheimer's Society.

George said:

'I decided to take part in this challenge for Alzheimer's Society because my brother Derek died earlier this year from this disease. It will be a tough challenge but it's great to know that I will be raising funds to help support people to live well with dementia today and fund research to find a cure for tomorrow.'

Derek was just 75 years old when he died in July 2012 after a relatively short but distressing journey with Alzheimer's disease. He grew up in Cumbria but spent most of his life in the South West and had lived in Weston-Super-Mare since 1975. Derek worked for British Rail for 40 years and was a quiet, sensitive man with a dry sense of humour. He enjoyed travelling, walking, reading, photography and spending time with his family and is greatly missed.

Jeremy Hughes, Chief Executive at Alzheimer's Society, said:

'We are delighted that George is giving his time to support Alzheimer's Society. One in three people over 65 will die with dementia. It is caused by diseases of the brain and can happen to anyone. As a charity, we rely on the generosity of individuals like George to help us continue our vital work. Please back George in his fundraising efforts so that Alzheimer's Society can continue leading the fight against dementia.'

To sponsor George please call (00351) 916343181 or visit www.justgiving.com/George-Smith4.