LARGS and Millport Weekly News reporter Calum Corral is getting on his bike to raise cash for charity.

The 43-year-old is embarking on a 300-mile road challenge in aid of a dementia charity after being moved by his experiences of people coping with the illness while working for the paper.

Our long-serving journalist is taking part in the Cycling Down Dementia challenge, which will involve cycling in all weathers throughout the winter months.

He is a seasoned cyclist having embarked on the five ferries cycle challenge in the past for charity. It involved a 70 mile trek from Arran to Tarbert, before travelling onwards to Portavadie, Tignabruaich and then the Isle of Bute before arriving back in Wemyss Bay.

He also set up the yearly Largs Thistle fundraising cycle around Cumbrae.

Calum said: "After spotting journalist Jon Snow, who made his name on Channel Four News, taking up the challenge, I thought I might follow suit, being a local reporter.

"As well as becoming a Dementia Friend at the Largs and Millport News a few years ago, I have also covered a number of stories on the topic and all of them have moved me. I felt it was a worthy charity to get involved with while doing something that I love."

Calum says he has been inspired by the work of Alzheimer's Research UK and wanted to support them by raising money to help swell their coffers.

He added: "Dementia will affect more than half of us in some way and is one of our greatest medical challenges. But more research can help overcome the diseases that cause dementia.

"I'd ask readers to please help help by giving whatever you can. The more people that know about Alzheimer's Research UK, the greater their impact."

The 300 mile cycle challenge takes place from November 1 until the end of January.

Calum says the turn in the recent weather has made the challenge seem that little bit more daunting.

He added: "I remember cycling into Largs during Siberian like winds to cover a story about a group of students who had built an igloo on the seafront a few years ago during a particularly cold snap. It wasn't the most pleasant of journeys.

"I regularly cycle around Cumbrae in the winter months so it is just an extension of that I suppose. There are no better views than seeing the Isle of Arran and the surrounding hillsides glistening in snow."

You can sponsor Calum online and keep up-to-date with his training and cycling schedule at cyclingdowndementia2019.everydayhero.com/uk/calum-1