MALMESBURY cyclist Ed Cox will be embarking on a 14,000-mile ride later this year to raise funds for people with dementia.

Mr Cox, 25, will be setting off from Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol on May 19 on his bike, which he has named Bridget. He will cycle to Brisbane, Australia, raising funds for the Alzheimer’s Society on the way.

He said: “My grandmother was diagnosed with dementia three years ago. Watching her live with the condition has inspired me to raise money for Alzheimer’s Society, which provides local support services for people with dementia and their carers as well as funding research into better treatments.

“Having seen the care required, it is a relief to know there is a society that really understands the disease.”

Mr Cox’s route will take him from southern Europe into the Middle East, through India, Indonesia and the East Coast of Australia, where he hopes to arrive in March 2014.

Part of his journey will be taken by boat or airplane to avoid dangerous areas.

Rachael Sweet, community fundraiser for Alzheimer’s Society, said: “It’s estimated that there are over 4,000 people living with dementia in Bristol alone and Ed’s money will help to fund local services.”

Mr Cox’s progress can be tracked through his website www.bristol2brisbane.co.uk, and donations can be made by visiting www.just giving .com/bristol2brisbane