Intrepid walker tackles epic mountain trek for love of his dad

Patrick Davies is hiking on his own from Strasbourg to the Mediterranean to help fund a cure for dementia.

The 1,200km expedition includes climbing more than 50,000 metres across the Vosges and Jura mountains and then over the mighty Alps.

His gruelling trek was inspired by his dad, Roy, who was diagnosed with Alzheimers six years ago.

Patrick Davies with the 1,200km route of his latest epic trek, inspired by his dad Roy (Image: Supplied)

This epic solo walk is the equivalent of scaling Everest more than six times!

Patrick, who grew up in Mobberley, said: “I know it’s going to be tough but every penny raised for such an important cause will be worth the effort.

“Dementia is an unforgiving disease which irreversibly changes the lives of those affected by the illness and their carers.

Patrick's trek has taken him along the Doubs river in the Jura mountains (Image: Supplied)

“My dad was diagnosed in late 2017. The disease is relentlessly taking its toll.

“Dad now needs help with most everyday tasks.

“Everything from washing and getting dressed, eating to switching on the TV requires assistance and supervision.

Patrick has a snack sheltering from the rain in the Vosges mountains (Image: Supplied)

“Mum does an amazing job looking after him but full time caring is exhausting particularly for those in the later years of life.”

Patrick, a former Knutsford High School pupil, has raised almost £40,000 for Alzheimer’s Research UK from his three treks.

In 2021, he walked 1,400 miles around Britain.

Patrick has captured some stunning images including this sunrise in Chaux Neuve in the Jura mountains (Image: Supplied)

Last autumn, he crossed the Pyrenees from Biarritz to Barcelona.

That 750-mile expedition saw him conquer very steep mountains, precarious slippy paths and wintry conditions.

Now he is on day 18 of his latest challenge, tackling the Alps.

Patrick took this amazing picture of reflections in Lac d'Anterne in the Alps (Image: Supplied)

The Mediterranean will take about a month to reach.

Patrick said: “This year feels all the more meaningful as my dad was taken into hospital just after I left the UK.

“He’s still in a dementia ward and having various tests assessed.

This spectacular sunrise over Les Houches in the Alps was captured by Patrick (Image: Supplied)

“He will almost certainly need to go into full-time care.

“It’s all extremely sad.

“Alzheimer’s is now the leading cause of death in the UK.

The Doubs gorge (Image: Supplied)

“There’s currently no cure. A couple of medical breakthroughs this year give hope that the disease will eventually be treatable or even cured.

“But there’s a long way to go.

“That’s why I’m fundraising again Alzheimer’s research.”

Patrick came home to help look after his dad after a 20-year diplomatic career.

To support Patrick visit justgiving.com/page/patrick-davies3

“Having seen the disease close up, we need to do everything we can to fight back and stop it destroying so many lives,” he said.

“The dedicated team at Alzheimer’s Research UK are working around the clock with partners around the world to help make life-changing breakthroughs possible – and one day, to find a cure.”