A COUNTY Durham man will trek along the Great Wall of China to raise awareness and money for a charity close to his heart.

Mark Henderson travels to China tomorrow (Saturday, May 13) for six days of walking on tough terrain in aid of Alzheimer’s Research UK.

The 32-year-old, from Bowburn, was inspired to do the sponsored walk by his grandfather Jack Wilkinson, 88, of Brandon, who has dementia.

He said: “I have wanted to see that part of the world for a long time and when I saw I could do so for such a good cause it was a perfect opportunity for me.

“It is upsetting to see how my granddad is affected, he used to go walking with me when I was younger so that is a nice link.

“He is in a home with other people with similar issues, some just in their 40s, and to see the physical and mental impact is hard.”

Mr Henderson is also aware of the difficulties people with dementia can suffer because of his work as a health, wellbeing and safer homes co-ordinator for County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service.

He hopes to raise £2,500 for the charity and has so far been pledged £2,170 in sponsorship. To support him visit virginmoneygiving.com/MarkH84