THIRTEEN cyclists will pass through Okehampton on Sunday September 11 as part of a gruelling 300-mile sponsored cycle ride from Kent to Cornwall in aid of the Alzheimer's Society.

Cliv Gigney, whose mother Marion has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, has organised a sponsored charity bike ride from his home in Kent to Newquay to raise awareness of dementia and its effects on families and carers.

Clive and team will leave Kent today (Thursday), passing through Winchester, Salisbury, Yeovil and Exeter on the way to Okehampton, before heading down to complete the trip in Newquay.

Clive said: 'We have assembled a group of friends, all of whom are keen to take part in this gruelling 300-mile trek, to raise awareness of dementia and in particular to highlight the problems people like my mother, Marion, and our family face on a day-to-day basis.

'Many other terminal illnesses, although equally devastating, allow people to spend time with the ones they love, make amends and do things they need to before their time ends.

'Dementia takes all that away and people seem to find it easier to forget someone with this disease rather than visit because they find it too upsetting not seeing the person they once knew

'I urge people to sponsor us in this very worthwhile cause.  Today it is my mother Marion, tomorrow it could be your loved one.'

The Alzheimer's Society supports people living with dementia and funds research to try and find a cure. The charity relies on voluntary donations to continue their important work.

You can sponsor the riders via http://www.justgiving.com/clive-gigney">www.justgiving.com/clive-gigney or by texting 70070, quoting KTC99.