Two local retirees are hiking the 100-mile South Down Way for charity.

Ken Campbell, a former sound engineer from St Albans, and Richard Gibbs, a retired teacher from Harpenden, both in their 60s, will be setting off on May 8 for five days.

Richard said: “I decided to take part in this challenge for Alzheimer’s Society because several close members of my family have forms of dementia, and I am caring for my wife, Amanda, who has been diagnosed with early onset semantic dementia.

“I know that trekking an average of 20 miles a day is going to be quite tough for me, but it’s great to know that every step I take will help support people to live well with dementia today and fund research to find a cure for tomorrow.”

The two are hoping to raise £3,000 for the Alzeheimer’s Society.

Their efforts have been welcomed by Jeremy Hughes, the chief executive of the Alzheimer’s Society, who said: “We are delighted that Ken and Richard are giving their time to support Alzheimer’s Society.

“Around 225,000 people will develop dementia this year, that’s one every three minutes.

“As a charity, we rely on the generosity of individuals like Ken and Richard to help us continue our vital work.”

Donations can be made via www.justgiving.com/teams/Richard-GIBBS5