INSPIRATIONAL cyclist Chris Graham who rode 16,000 miles around the coast of Canada and America after finding out he had dementia is now encouraging other people to take on their own challenge.

Mr Graham, 40, from Carterton, was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s in 2010 at the age of just 34.

The disease contributed to the death of his father at 42, grandfather at 46, auntie at 38 and cousin at 41. His elder brother is currently in a care home, bedbound and being fed through a tube at the age of 44.

After raising more than £40,000 for research into the disease, father-of-three Mr Graham is now inviting people to take part in the Tour of Cambridgeshire for Alzheimer's Research UK on Sunday, June 5.

Mr Graham said: "If I can cycle 16,000 miles in temperatures reaching over 50°C, just about anyone can take on the Tour of Cambridgeshire this June.

"No matter how hard a challenge is, it's so worth it when you know you're doing it for an important cause. I would love for as many people as possible to join the team.

"I know what will happen to me in the coming years and I want to do something to fight back against the disease. We need to hit the enemy directly, which is why I support dementia research. A cure may come too late for me, but it will help my children."

Mr Graham, who served in the army for 23 years, completed his challenge at the end of 2015, equipped with nothing more than a bike, a tent and essential supplies.

He finished his mission in just eight months and was reunited with his family on Christmas Eve just in time for his son's first birthday.

He carries a rare familial Alzheimer's gene, which means his children have a 50 per cent chance of inheriting it too.

Earlier this year he was made a Champion of Alzheimer's Research UK due to his bravery facing dementia head on.

Mr Graham added: "My friends didn’t believe me when I told them I had Alzheimer's disease. At my age, it just doesn’t make sense to people.

"We still think of Alzheimer's as a bit of forgetfulness as we get older, but the truth is far worse."

There are 850,000 people in the UK living with dementia today and the charity relies on public donations to carry on with its vital work.

Visit tourofcambridgeshire.com to find out more about the challenge. There are two routes – 93km and 129km.