A Kingsteignton man is getting ready to take the longest and most challenging walk of his life, writes Sam Hall.

Father of two Robert Bray, 59, is embarking on a 155-mile trek along the Pennine Way – starting in Edale, in the Peak District and finishing near Appleby in Cumbria – in a bid to raise £2,000 for the Alzheimer’s Society at the end of April.

The idea of walking the Pennines has always been with Rob, and he was just going to do the walk as a break away from work, but instead decided to turn it into a fundraiser.

His employer Sibelco, where he works as a quarryman, has sponsored him and earned their place on Rob’s T-shirts, which he is hoping to have filled up with the logos of his sponsors.

The reason for choosing the Alzheimer’s Society is because there is a number of people with this awful condition and there is no cure at the moment.

Rob said: ‘More younger people are now being diagnosed so any money I raise will go towards much-needed research and supporting services for people living with Alzheimer’s.

‘The T-shirts that I’ll be wearing during the ten-day walk will be seen by plenty of people, and I’ll talk to anyone I can in order to spread the word.

‘Ideally, I’d love to raise £2,000 – it would be great to hear from firms willing to sponsor me and get their logos seen.

‘I am very grateful to Aaron Printers who have offered their services free of charge.’

So far Rob has raised £912.

Sibelco’s Richard Giles, who manages the firm’s Kingsteignton operation, said: ‘We are proud that Rob has decided to turn his holiday into something that will benefit others.

‘As a society we will need to become a lot more dementia-friendly so we’re pleased to do our small bit by sponsoring.

‘I know that many colleagues have already pledged their support, so it would be wonderful if the business community could get behind Rob as well.’

To contact Rob call 07876 399783 or visit www.justgiv ing.com/robert-bray2.