A BOY is taking on the fastest zip wire in the world to raise money for an Alzheimer's charity.

Jake Burden, from Colchester, has always wanted to do something to support his great-grandma, Gladys Wright, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer's about four years ago.

Jake, 12, a Philip Morant pupil, wanted to do the tandem sky dive but was told by the Alzheimer's Society he was too young.

Instead, they suggested a challenge he is very excited for.

On May 30, he will whizz down the longest zipwire in Europe, and the fastest in the world - the Velocity Zip Wire in Wales.

The zip wire reaches speeds of up to 118mph.

Jake's mum Charlotte, from St Michael's in Colchester, said: "It looks quite scary but I showed him a couple of videos and he was really keen to do it.

"He is really excited, as it's during the holidays we have booked a Haven holiday for the week."

Jake has always been close to his great-grandma, 86, who lives in Margate, and often travels down to see her.

His mum added: "He knows to tell her when she has forgotten things, he will never take advantage of her.

"He always gives her a big cuddle and makes her a cup of tea, he is really good with her."

To sponsor Jake and help him raise funds for the Alzheimer's Society, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/jakesvelocitychallenge.