Engineering tutor Craig Midgley, whose father was diagnosed with dementia two years ago, is running the London Marathon in aid of Alzheimer’s UK in April.

Mr Midgley, 35, who served in the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, hopes to raise £2,000 and complete the run within three and a half hours.

His parents Steven and Susan Midgley moved to Northcote, Calne, more than five years ago and Mrs Midgley works at the Co-op pharmacy on Harris Road.

Former carpenter Mr Midgley senior used to enjoy running marathons and he took part in a Land Rover experience for his 60th birthday three years ago. But since the diagnosis, his condition has deteriorated.

Mr Midgley, from Nelson in Lancashire, said he was running the marathon as a tribute to his father and to do something to aid the battle against Alzheimer’s.

He said: “He does not always know who I am but he is still my hero. He would always be running, taking part in marathons and was at the gym before work.

“I thought that he was invincible and I always hoped that I could be as fit as him. My dad always looked after himself and I have done the same in my life.

“I was in the army for 13 years and took part in a wide range of sporting endurance events. He was responsible for a lot of the choices I made in life and I’ve got a lot to thank him for.”

Mr Midgley was selected for the event after his wife Sarah put his name forward.

There are 800,000 people with dementia in the UK, including 17,000 younger people. It is one of the main causes of disability later in life, ahead of cancer, cardiovascular disease and strokes.

Craig will be running the marathon on Sunday, April 21. To sponsor him, visit the website www.justgiving.com/craig-midgley1