A RUGBY player has set off from Mevagissey with the aim of running 34 miles each day for 12 days. 

Ollie Choules is planning to cover 400 miles and he choose Mevagissey as his departure point because his family enjoyed a magical holiday there a few years ago. 

Ollie, who has a job as a project manager, is raising money for the Alzheimer’s Society in memory of his granny and grandma, who meant the world to him.  

After leaving Mevagissey, he headed for Looe, the location of another family holiday in the past. 

Then he was going to run across the south of the country taking in various spots that have been significant in his family’s story.  

Ollie said: “I’m taking on this 400-mile challenge for the Alzheimer’s Society in memory of two of the most important people in my life: my granny and my grandma, who both died with Alzheimer’s disease.  

Ollie is running in memory of beloved relatives.
Ollie is running in memory of beloved relatives. (Picture: Submitted)

“Anyone who has watched someone close to them live with dementia knows that it doesn’t just take away memories. It gradually affects conversations, stories, independence and so much of the person you know and love. 

“Over the course of the challenge, I’ll take nearly one million steps – roughly one for every person currently living with dementia in the UK. Every mile will remind me of my granny and grandma, the memories they gave me, the love they showed me and the impact they had on my life. 

“I’m raising money for the Alzheimer’s Society because no family should have to face dementia alone, and because research, support and awareness are more important than ever.” 

Alzheimer’s Society fundraiser Soya Cutts said: “We are so grateful that Ollie Choules is supporting the Alzheimer’s Society. Every step he is taking on this 400-mile run makes a life-changing difference to people living with dementia.”