Man to walk Cotswold Way for dementia charity

Dominic Mills said he would normally spend his Boxing Day "sitting on the sofa eating chocolate"

A man plans to walk 102 miles (164km) to raise money for a dementia charity, after witnessing both of his grandmothers suffer with the condition.

Dominic Mills, 23, will spend Boxing Day walking the Cotswold Way, leaving from Bath in Somerset at 03:00 GMT and aiming to finish in Chipping Campden in Gloucestershire at about 12:00 on Friday.

He wants to "raise as much as possible" for Dementia UK, which provides support to dementia patients and their families.

The young entrepreneur plans to walk non-stop for 35 hours, the majority of which will be in darkness.

Mr Mills said training for the challenge had made him feel prepared.

"Because I run two businesses, I find myself going for walks incredibly late at night, at like two in the morning," he said.

"Which I think in any other circumstance would make me a bit weird."

'Vital work'

Mr Mills decided to take on the challenge after watching the mental state of both of his grandmothers slowly deteriorate before they passed away several years ago.

"At 23, I've already witnessed the devastating effects of dementia on two people very close to me, and I'm sure others know someone affected by this condition as well," he said.

"I'm passionate about helping Dementia UK continue their vital work supporting families affected by this condition.

"The walk will be demanding but I'm confident we can make a real difference."

Mr Mills is a director of The Oxford Lighting Company and has been donating 10% of all sales to Dementia UK in a pledge running since October through to 31 December.