A GRANDAD-of-four decided to celebrate his 60th birthday by taking on the challenge of cycling up and down one of the town's steepest roads 60 times in tribute to his dad with Alzheimer's.

Retired policeman Bob Pugh, from Sutton has, along with the rest of his family, experienced the upset of watching his beloved 87-year-old dad Albert Pugh, a former grenadier guard and fellow officer, succumb to Allzheimer's.

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With that in mind he decided to celebrate his 60th birthday a little differently by cycling up and down Shaley Brow in Crank 60 times to raise much needed funds for Alzheimer's Research Uk, a charity that looks for a cure.

Dad-of-two Bob said: "For the last five years my dad hasn't been right after being diagnosed with Alzheimer's and though he still remembers us, it affects him every day.

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"I'm part of St Helens Cycling Club and I've raised funds for charity before, but I thought to do it for a cause close to my heart on my 60th birthday.

"Shaley Brow is known to be a hard road to drive up never mind cycle up, making it popular with cyclists, but to do it 60 times isn't easy.

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"So on Tuesday, June 2, I did it 60 times and was joined by other family and friends on some of the laps and cheered on by my family and friends.

"It was particularly lovely to see my little grandson Bobby there, as I've not been able to see him due to coronavirus, so having him cheering me on was lovely.

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"With gift aid I've raised over £6,000 now and I could not be happier because I only hoped to raise £250 .

"I'm overwhelmed by the support I've had for this really but like the messages on the JustGiving page show, this disease affects so many people, and most have lost someone or love someone with Alzheimer's.

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"If this money can go any way towards helping to find a cure it was more than worth it."

To donate to Bob's fundraising page, go to justgiving.com/fundraising/bob-pugh3.

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All pictures: James Maloney