A CITY heavyweight boxer is training to climb the highest peaks in England, Scotland and Wales after being touched by the plight of the mother of one of his sponsors.

Lee Swaby, 34, aims to climb Ben Nevis, Snowdon and the Lake District's Scafell Pike during a single day in October to raise money for the Alzheimer's Society in Lincolnshire.

Mr Swaby, of Foster Street, Lincoln, says he is planning to retire from boxing in April and has formed a wish list of challenges to undertake, which includes the gruelling three peaks challenge.

Others on the list include sky diving and running the bulls in Pamplona, a daring pastime which sees a number of bulls let loose in a cordoned off street in the Spanish town.

And after hearing the sadness of one of his sponsors – Glen Ford of Foster & Sims garage in Allenby Industrial Estate, Lincoln – who has watched his mother deteriorate as a result of Alzheimer's, Mr Swaby decided to raise money to benefit other sufferers.

He says he is hoping to raise several thousand pounds to help the Alzheimer's Society carry out their work in Lincolnshire.

Mr Swaby said: "Glen's mum, Linda, has had to go into a home in Skellingthorpe now and I think it hit home to us all how sad her condition is.

"Physically, she is fine, but mentally she has been getting steadily worse for a while.

"It's horrible for her family because they are grieving her, but she's still alive.

"It's heartbreaking for her husband and the whole family.

"So, I thought if I can do something to help by doing the three peaks, then that is very positive.

"I don't think my fitness levels will be a problem, but the endurance test is going to be a whole different ball game."

Mr Ford said he was touched Mr Swaby had chosen to raise money for the Alzheimer's Society.

He said: "I think he's been quite shocked to hear about my mum's condition."

Hayley Child, community fundraiser for the Alzheimer's Society, said they were delighted by Mr Swaby's support.

She said: "The money raised by Lee will be used in the Lincolnshire locality to continue to provide much-needed services for people with dementia and their carers."

Mr Swaby is also taking part in the Alzheimer's Society's annual memory walk in Lincoln, which is to be held this year at Lincoln City Football Club in Sincil Bank from 11am to 3pm on Sunday, September 26.

The day allows people who know or who have lost someone who suffered with dementia to walk in memory of them.

To get involved with the Memory Walk, call the Alzheimer's Society in Lincolnshire on 01522 692681.