A Kidlington dad-of-two is set to raise thousands in memory of his father.

Oxford University proctor Paul Franklin, 56, is cycling from Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam to Angkor Wat in Cambodia for the Alzheimer’s Society.

His father Kevin battled the disease until his death 10 years ago.

Mr Franklin, a former police officer, said: “This is a part of the world I’ve always wanted to go to, so it seemed like a good idea.

“And it certainly seems to have captured the imagination of friends.

“But it was only after I told everyone I was doing it that I actually started to think ‘it’s going to be quite hot over there’.”

He added: “Although I cycle to work, I’m certainly no athlete.”

The ride will take him over 470km in blistering heat, lasting eight days in total.

He hopes to raise £3,200 by August and is already well on his way, having collected nearly £1,200 in the past few weeks.

Mr Franklin said: “My dad died from this terrible disease so I know the effect dementia has on family and friends.”

He will set off through south east Asia in November 2012.

To donate money to Mr Franklin visit justgiving.com/ paul-franklin1693