TWO friends are walking a memory marathon to raise money for the Alzheimer’s Society after one of their grandfathers was diagnosed with the illness.

Emma Jones and Tori Ray, both 24 and from Basingstoke, are taking part in the 26-mile challenge, starting at the stone circle of Avebury in Wiltshire and finishing at Stonehenge.

Emma said: “We’ve been preparing for this by walking up the Basingstoke Canal between Basingstoke and Fleet, and increasing the distance each time, so I hope it pays off.

“My granddad was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s last year so I want to do everything I can to help him and others suffering with dementia.

“When a person with dementia finds that their mental abilities are declining, they often feel vulnerable and in need of reassurance and support.”

The pair are hoping to raise £1,000 for the charity before they take part in the marathon on September 12.

Tori said: “It wasn’t until I started researching dementia that I realised how common it is. One in three people over 65 will die suffering from dementia. It is more than just memory loss. It gradually robs people of their lives and has a devastating effect on their families and loved ones.”

To help the girls reach their target, you can sponsor them at justgiving.co.uk/tori-ray or justgiving.co.uk/Emma-Jones5.