An Alton man has begun an epic two-month hike to support a loved one and others diagnosed with Alzheimers.
James Tombling is a fortnight into a mammoth 886-mile walk from John O’Groats to Lands End for The Alzheimer’s Society.
The 51-year-old from Winchester Road is currently walking south through Scotland having taken the high road on March 29.
He’s expected to reach the tip of Cornwall in May while his fundraising is also gathering pace with nearly half his £8,000 target secured.
Doing the JOGLE - John O’Groats Lands End - route has been a long-held aspiration but it’s only recently he decided to put his best foot forward.
The specialist bathroom installer decided to make his dream a reality after seeing a rise in dementia and Alzheimers cases locally over the last 20 years.
He said: “I’ve seen a snapshot of people’s struggles, especially with those who care for people with the disease.
“The first week was tough but the weather has been lovely and that’s a helped a bit,” he said about his first week walking through Scotland.
The father-of-two also has a personal motive as he is walking in support of someone close who was recently diagnosed with dementia and Alzheimers.
He added: “The Alzheimer’s Society is a great charity and they do so much to help people.”
Sarah Tombling, the hiker’s wife, is very proud of her fundraising husband.
She said: “Alzheimer’s and dementia is affecting so many families, so raising money for a worthy cause and raising awareness is so appreciated.
“We are fully supportive of him and me and my two boys are so proud of him.”
Instagram users can follow his progress through his @Jamestomtombling account while donations can be made through https://shorturl.at/9y4AB or by looking for Toms Big JOGLE on www.justgiving.com