Alzheimer's sufferer Jamie Graham has raised more than £65,000 for research into the disease by rowing 20 miles along the Thames.

Mr Graham, 63, who lives in Dauntsey, rowed from Eton to Henley with neighbours Tony Pooley, Michael Baines and Christopher Blount from the Somerfords on Friday.

Despite getting mixed up with the Henley Regatta, the men managed to achieve their target – and beat their fundraising target by £15,000.

Mr Graham was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s two years ago and can no longer drive, read or write, although his sense of humour remains intact and he still enjoys walking, cycling and tennis.

He said: “It felt great being part of a team and the exercise certainly did me a lot of good. I’m really pleased we raised so much money and I want to say a big thank you to everyone who helped out.”

His wife Vicki paid tribute to the team in which the average is 63. She said: “It was pretty tricky at one point because the Thames was like Piccadilly Circus with all the boats out for the Henley Regatta.

“The cox did a marvellous job steering them through.”

The only hiccup was that the support boat packed up but the team was able to get it going again.

Mrs Graham added: “Being part of a team has really given Jamie a lot of motivation. When they got to the finish line it was very moving for everyone involved.”

The team is donating the money to Alzheimer's Research Trust but wants to find a specific project. To donate, visit www.forgetmenot row.com