CLIMBING through thick snow is just one of the unexpected challenges an intrepid walker has conquered on his daunting mission.

Patrick Davies is trekking across the French Pyrenees to help fund a cure for dementia.

His gruelling expedition from Biarritz to Barcelona is inspired by his dad, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s five years ago.

The epic 750-mile solo walk is like scaling the equivalent of mount Everest - six times!

Knutsford Guardian: Patrick Davies, left, was inspired to trek from Biarritz to Barcelona after his dad, right, was diagnosed with Alzheimer'sPatrick Davies, left, was inspired to trek from Biarritz to Barcelona after his dad, right, was diagnosed with Alzheimer's (Image: Patrick Davies)

Patrick, who grew up in Mobberley, came home to look after his dad after a 20-year diplomatic career.

The Guardian has been following his journey which has so far raised more than £4,200 for Alzheimer’s Research UK.

Giving us an update on his marathon, Patrick said: “So far I’ve walked more than 500 miles and climbed more than 40,000 metres.

“I’m making good progress across the Pyrenees.

Knutsford Guardian: Early snow posed a challenge for Patrick Davies on his trek through the French PyreneesEarly snow posed a challenge for Patrick Davies on his trek through the French Pyrenees (Image: Patrick Davies)

“I had a week of poor weather in the remote Ariege section of the mountains, with lots of mist and rain which made the walking slippery and tricky on very steep mountains.”

After tackling precarious conditions, Patrick then faced unexpected wintry conditions.

“I even had some early snow which was quite a challenge – climbing through 30cm of snow at times,” he said.

Knutsford Guardian: Mist and rain made the walking slippery and tricky on very steep mountainsMist and rain made the walking slippery and tricky on very steep mountains (Image: Patrick Davies)

“But it did make for even more stunning scenery.

“The weather is now perfect and walking a little easier.

“The snow melted within a couple of days.

“I should reach the Mediterranean by the end of the weekend and then start heading down the coast towards Barcelona.”

In 2021, this energetic man walked 1,400 miles across Britain and raised £30,000 for Alzheimer’s Research.

Patrick is keen to raise awareness and well as support the charity.

Knutsford Guardian: Patrick has captured stunning photographs on his solo expedition through the French PyreneesPatrick has captured stunning photographs on his solo expedition through the French Pyrenees (Image: Patrick Davies)

“Dad is far from alone,” said Patrick, who attended Knutsford High School in the 1980s.

“Dementia is a cruel and unforgiving disease which irreversibly changes the lives of those affected by the illness and all those around them.

“Seeing the effects of Alzheimer’s close up has driven me to want to do everything I can to support those fighting to fund better treatments and ultimately, a cure for dementia, so others don’t have to face the disease in the future.”

Patrick is camping along the way as he tackles his phenomenal trek.

“It involves climbing the equivalent of Britain’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis, more than 40 times,” he said.

“It is quite an undertaking.”

Patrick hopes his efforts will raise £20,000 for Alzheimer’s Research UP.

“I’d be hugely grateful for everyone’s support,” he said.

“All the money donated will go directly to a fantastic organisation working to make a real difference in the fight against dementia.”

To donate visit justgiving.com/fundraising/Patrick-davies11