A man has cycled 240-miles from his home in Nailsworth to Bishopsbourne near Canterbury in aid of Alzheimer’s Society and in memory of his mother.

Andrew Brown set off on May 19, cycling for three days before arriving into Bishopsbourne on 21 May to mark the start of the charity’s Dementia Action Week.

He has dubbed the ride #ProjectBarbara as a personal challenge in memory of his mother, Barbara Brown, who died peacefully last June, following several years suffering from vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s.

The journey is in effect a ‘memory ride’, taking its lead from Alzheimer’s Society and their programme of Memory Walks.

The 240-miles route included Bishop Otter College in Chichester where his mother trained as a teacher; stretched across Sussex and into Kent (where the family shared many holidays); then ended in Bishopsbourne, which is where Andrew’s mother taught for the first time.

Andrew said, “It is a tribute to my mother and part of that is raising awareness and funding for Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia.

“It is a disease that slowly takes the person you love away from you.

“So, the ride has connected me, my life now in Gloucestershire, with her via some of her fondest memories at college in Chichester and our family holidays in Sussex.

“The whole route is like a journey through moments of her life. That’s why I did it.”

Andrew has raised nearly £3,000y via his Just Giving Page:

Laura Hewitt, Alzheimer’s Society Community Fundraiser said: “Andrew’s idea to undertake this tribute to his mother, and cycle to places that held special memories, is a lovely idea. Andrew’s decision to unite with us in this way also highlights a slightly different take on a fundraising challenge. We’re very grateful for his support.

Alzheimer’s Society provides information and support, to find out more call the National Dementia Helpline on 0300 222 1122 or visit alzheimers.org.uk