Dad inspires daunting 750-mile trek to fund cure for dementia

Patrick Davies is climbing the equivalent of Mount Everest six times on his gruelling journey from Biarritz to Barcelona.

His 750-mile solo walk, expected to take two months, was inspired by his father.

Patrick, who grew up in Mobberley, said: “My dad was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s five years ago.

“He’s doing pretty well, although as time goes on, he’s much more confused and increasingly reliant on help and support for everyday tasks.

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“Dementia is a cruel and unforgiving disease which irreversibly changes the lives of those affected by the illness and all those around them.”

The 750-mile route from Biarritz to Barcelona will take Patrick around two months to complete (Image: Patrick Davies)

Patrick came home to look after his dad after a 20-year diplomatic career.

In 2021, this energetic man walked 1,400 miles across Britain and raised £30,000 for Alzheimer’s Research.

“Dad is far from alone,” said Patrick, who attended Knutsford High School in the 1980s.

“850,000 people in the UK are living with dementia.

“Seeing the effects of Alzheimer’s close up has driven me to want to do everything I can to support those fighting to fund better treatments and ultimately a cure for dementia, so others don’t have to face the disease in future.”

Patrick is camping along the way as he tackles his gruelling challenge.

Starting in Biarritz on the Atlantic, he plans to finish in Barcelona on the Mediterranean.

“I’ve combined an Atlantic coastal route across the Pyrenees and then along the Costa Brava,” said Patrick.

“It’s just over 1,200km in total.

Peaks of the French Pyrenees on Patrick's route (Image: Patrick Davies)

“Perhaps most significantly, it involves climbing the equivalent of Britain’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis, more than 40 times.

“It’s quite an undertaking.”

This long distance walker is currently on day 14, trekking 11 miles over forested peaks and alpine meadows.

The walk takes Patrick through beautiful woodland (Image: Patrick Davies)

Views of the Pyrenees National Park and stunning green valleys are inspiring him to keep going.

Patrick hopes his efforts will raise £20,000 for Alzheimer’s Research UK.

“I’d be hugely grateful for everyone’s support,” he said.

The walk takes Patrick through Alpine meadows with stunning views (Image: Patrick Davies)

“All the money donated will go directly to a fantastic organisation working to make a real difference in the fight against dementia.”

To donate visit justgiving.com/fundraising/patrick-davies11