A MILKMAN is preparing to pound the streets in this year’s Virgin London Marathon of his grandfather.

Tim Davis, of Braintree, is aiming to raise hundreds of pounds for Alzheimer’s Research UK after his grandfather Eric was diagnosed with the disease.

Tim, 33, said: “My grandad is my inspiration for taking on this challenge. He is 78 and was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s six years ago. Since then I’ve been shocked to learn that there isn’t enough research to develop new treatments.

“Grandad is currently in respite care in a nursing home as my nana Rhoda is recovering from a broken hip. Looking after him has put a big strain on her but she misses him, even though she feels she lost him years ago to Alzheimer’s.”

Tim said he has fitted his training around his early-hour rounds for his job at Sunrise Dairies in Braintree.

“I’ll be thinking of grandad all the way round the course,” he added. “I’m determined to do my best and I’ve even given up smoking. It’s been difficult fitting my training around the unconventional hours of a milkman. I get up at 1.30am every morning, have lunch at 6am and finish at midday. Normally I’d have a nap then but instead I go out running.”

His wife Natalie and three-year-old son Colby will be cheering him on during the 26.2mile challenge. He added: “It will be an amazing day and great to know I’m doing something positive to help Alzheimer’s Research UK defeat this devastating disease – grandad would be proud of me.”

Visit www.justgiving.com/tim80davis to donate.