My Dad, Joe, died in 2013. He'd lived with Alzheimer's for a number of years. A scientist and a teacher, he always went out of his way to help people.

Joe Fenerty was a kind and generous man. Please take a look at the gallery of photos above - many from the 1950s and 60s, including his time in bomb disposal, and later in life. He is much missed.

Between the dates of my birthday and his birthday this year - 3rd August to 5th September - I'm going to cycle the distance (the actual miles, 236) if not the geography itself to my Dad's old family home in Merton Road, Bootle, Liverpool - starting from Merton Road in Southampton, the city where I live. I’ll be doing the entire bike trip in distance, if not actually up the M6 - so don’t worry :-)

Whilst getting fitter, I'm raising much-needed funds for the Alzheimer's Society in his memory. It has recently had an emergency appeal: "Right now, thousands of people with dementia are scared, lonely and struggling to get vital support. Donate now so we can continue to help the most vulnerable during this crisis."

Dementia can be a real bastard at any time. The coronavirus has made life so much harder for so many people. If I manage to raise £1 for every mile I do, I'll be happy. If I raise more, I may just carry on and cycle back as well :-)

I plan to 'arrive' - virtually - to coincide with what would have been his 90th birthday on 5th September 2020. I'll be cycling in and around Southampton each day in August and recording the mileage using an app. I may even overshoot and pop into to see my Mum in the house at Bowness Ave, Southport, that they shared for 48 years.

It would be great if you can donate - even a tiny amount, as every little helps. And don’t forget to Gift Aid if you’re a UK taxpayer. Thanks!