FUNDRAISER Gavin Roper has set off on his latest mission to raise money for the Alzheimers Society - tackling the world’s highest mountain.

Gavin, 36, from Fence, is to climb to the Everest Base Camp in memory of his dad, Bruce, who died in April 2011.

He has already raised £3,000 for the society, and for Nelson Manor Care Home, since his dad died.

He said: “I've done many things for charities but never for a charity that is so very personal to me.

“My dad would tell me to calm down as I was spending all my time either working, then arranging events to help charities. This is why I have picked Everest, as it would have brought a smile to my dad’s face.

Gavin said he had done other fundraising challenges in the past, most notably climbing 19,340ft up Kilimanjaro in Africa in five days.

He said: “I can recall climbing Kilimanjaro five years ago and my dad saying he wished he was coming. I remember him being so proud when I did it.

“I hope that by climbing Everest I will catch people's attention and encourage them to read my story and increase their awareness of dementia.

“I want people to learn about dementia, to understand more and be more aware and spot the signs earlier.”

Gavin will first fly into Kathmandu before the 10 day base camp trek.

He has created a website www.sponsorgav.org to detail his fundraising and will be carrying a banner saying ‘In memory of my dad’ up Everest, which has been made for him by Print4Less.