A DEDICATED fundraiser is to run a 5k every day for a year to raise money for dementia research.

Web designer Chris Wright, who lives with his wife Sarah and family in Spain, started his five-a-day challenge on New Year’s Day.

The 46-year-old decided on the gruelling challenge after seeing his father-in-law Les, from Chester-le-Street, battle with Alzheimer’s Disease.

He will also take on a number of longer runs, including the Great North Run in September.

He said: “Sarah and I have run the Great North Run before to raise money for research, and we do it for her dad Les, who is in the late stages of Alzheimer’s Disease and now lives in a care home.

“Seeing his decline is heartbreaking, especially for Sarah and her mum, and having seen other family members affected by dementia it’s something that terrifies me.

“I chose to support Alzheimer’s Research UK because I want to do all I can to find a cure for this cruel condition.”

Claire Priestwood, Regional Fundraising Officer at Alzheimer’s Research UK, said:

“This is an incredible challenge and we couldn’t be more grateful to Chris for his total dedication to the cause. Every £20 he raises throughout the year will be enough to fund another hour of pioneering research, bringing new treatments for dementia ever closer.

“There are nearly 7,000 people living with dementia in County Durham alone and with no treatments to stop the diseases that cause it, we urgently need better ways to combat this devastating condition.

“We rely on the public to be able to fund our research programme, and it’s thanks to people like Chris that we’re able to continue our vital work.”

To follow Chris’ daily progress, visit his blog at chrswrght.wordpress.com, or to sponsor him visit justgiving.com/chris5kaday