ONE man and his dog have trained morning and night to raise money for dementia research.

Luke Overall, of Parker Way in Halstead, was heartbroken when his grandad Jack, 92, was diagnosed with dementia in January.

He has since dedicated his time to taking part in triathlons and local runs to raise funds for Alzheimer's Research UK.

He has had the help of his border terrier cross, Teddy.

Gazette:

Mr Overall, 28, said: "So far I have raised £700 through running triathlons and holding fundraising events.

"I have now been offered a place in the London Marathon and have set myself a target of £3,000.

"Im putting a few fundraising events on next year as well."

His grandad, who has moved to an assisted care home in Hatfield Peverel, was very close to Luke.

He added: "I have got a great relationship with my grandad, he used to live with my nan near Notley High School and I used to spend the whole of the six-week holidays there."

The sales executive for a playground company said the family started noticing subtle changes in Jack's behaviour.

He said: "One minute he would be talking to you and at the flick of a switch he would start talking about his brothers and sisters who have passed away as if they were alive.

"Nearly a year later following his diagnosis he forgets who we are, it's not nice but he will always be my grandad.

"I'm trying to raise money as it's one of the biggest killers in the UK now and I don't think people are aware of the fact it can't be completely cured."

He said due to his job he has to train early in the morning or late at night.

He said: "I try and do as much as I can and my dog drags me along, I do a lot of local running as well which keeps me motivated."

He and Teddy are also hosting a dog walk on Sunday, January 29 to raise money.

The walk, which starts at 11am at the bottom of Braintree Recreation Ground, costs £5 per dog.

To donate visit www.justgiving.com/LukeyO?utm_id=26