A BASINGSTOKE man is set to climb part of the world’s highest peak in a bid to support the Alzheimer’s Society.

Darren Witts, is set to embark on a 19-day trek to reach Everest basecamp. in memory of his father, Roly Witts, who passed away in February 

The charity is close to the heart of Mr Witts, as they helped his father, who was diagnosed around 2013 with this debilitating disease. 

Having seen his father’s memory deteriorate, Mr Witts decided last summer that he would make a huge effort to help the Alzheimer’s Society raise funds; to help towards their battle to find a cure.

He set himself a target of £5,000, which is already well over half-way, with all the money going to the charity to help support those living with the disease.

So far the funds have come in the form of kind donations and help of his family, friends and colleagues since last summer.

Each of Mr Witts’ free weekends have been spent selling at car boot sales and with lots of support other fundraising events have been arranged.

A few weeks ago when things were particularly slow at a boot sale and he was feeling quite demoralised, a lady, who was clearly moved, handed him a very generous donation of £20. She didn’t say much, but said that her family had lost a dear family member, and then she left. Darren said he has been really humbled by how kind and generous people, total strangers, have been.

Mr Witts said there has been a heartwarming response from so many people who have a family member affected by dementia.

In training for the big event, which starts on November 4, he has lost four stone and is confident of the task at hand.

Mr Witts said that in the next few months he is going to make a real push in raising funds and whilst the challenge is huge he has been motivated by the Alzheimer’s Society’s mission to learn more about this awful disease.

To support Mr Witts in his challenge visit justgiving.com/fundraising/darren-wittstrek1.