THE son of a 52-year-old struck with dementia has completed a gruelling year of fundraising on top one of the world's tallest mountains. 

Matthew Willis, from Wokingham, embarked on a series of challenges in 2015 in efforts to raise £5,000 for the Alzheimer's Society and completed his last challenge, a trek up Mount Kilimanjaro, this month.

He has smashed through his target and raised an impressive £6,125 after also completing a 54-mile cycle ride from London to Brighton., a 10k run and the Windsor Half-Marathon. 

His father Michael was diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia, which shares symptoms with Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, in 2014 and is now settled in to West Oak nursing home in Wokingham. 

Matthew said the trek was 'one of the hardest things he has ever done' and added: "It was amazing but really, really challenging. It's the hardest thing I have ever done but it was so rewarding. Making it to the summit was an amazing feeling.

"There were around 24 people on the trek in total, all raising money for the same cause. Everyone has their own reasons for supporting the charity.

"It can be difficult to communicate with my dad but I when I got back and showed him my photos and I could tell he was really proud and excited for me which was great."

After a big year, Matt says he's still thinking about what he wants to do next and for now is celebrating his achievements and is grateful to everyone who has donated. 

He added: "It's been a challenge, with training for the trek and all my other fundraising, but all worth it. People have been so generous, even people that don't know me have donated and I'm thrilled to have smashed my target."

His donation page will remain open until the end of February. 

To donate visit http://www.justgiving.com/mattwillisalzheimers/