A KIND-hearted teacher from Thurrock is talking to the region's roads over the Easter break to raise money for the Alzheimer's Society.

Dan Ayris, 26, is a reception teacher at a borough school and was motivated to make his contribution after reading about the Society's 250 mile challenge – calling on supporters to 'Cycle for Dementia', which is a national event running until the end of June.

Dan, from Stanford-le-Hope, says: "The past few months have been tough for everyone, but coronavirus has hit those affected by dementia the hardest and continues to disrupt lives. So that's why I'm getting on my bike and taking on Cycle for Dementia.

"I love to take on new challenges and If I can help even raise enough for a telephone call assistant for a day (£90) at the same time, I will feel some good has come from this.

"I saw there was a 250 miles in a month ride for Alzheimers Society, I made a pledge that if I raised over £400 I would cut that down to 16 days, this also helps because I am a teacher so fits in with half term. So far I am four days in and have completed 75 miles completing 25 miles today (Monday, 29 March)."

Dan's travels around the region so far haven't been without incident. He has already taken a tumble and cut his hand – though he was able to smile about the crash, saying: "I was just being stupid really, I leant down to get my bottle and went too close to the curb without unclipping my feet, so just tumbled off the bike.

"A nice lady did stop her car to make sure I was okay and we both ended up laughing at my fall. Laughter does make the pain go away."

Dan also had to end one ride early, getting a lift home after getting a puncture – and finding he had left his repair kit at home!

You can follow Dan on his travels (and possible misadventures)via his Facebook page or his Instagram site.

And if you would like to support Dan by making a donation, his Just Giving page can be found via this link