A FATHER and daughter plan to trek along the Great Wall of China to raise funds for the Alzheimer's Society.

Ian and Abi Douglass hope to raise £10,000 for the charity, which is incredibly close to their hearts.

"This cruel disease has taken the life of my father, now my mother, who was once a strong independent woman, is facing every day life with Alzheimer's," said 51-year-old Ian from Woodsetton.

"This disease has no mercy. There is no way to control it, let along cure it.

"You cannot try to understand this disease, the way it affects people differently, and tears their lives apart, and the lives of their families."

Despite the testing times the family have faced, they found the support the charity provides to be vital.

Abi, aged 22, explained: "As a family we have received exceptional support from the Alzheimer's Society. From the death of my grandad, to my grandma being diagnosed, to them giving my grandma the support she needs."

To say 'thank you', the duo will be heading to China in October next year for the six day trek.

They have embarked on a training programme and have also made a start on the fundraising in a bid to reach their ambitious target.

They will have a stall, selling cakes and confectionary, at the Dudley Christmas lights switch on event in Stone Street Square on December 10 and have also set up an online donation page.

Anyone who wishes to donate should visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Abi-Douglass or text GRAT92 and an amount to 70070.