He has thrown himself out of a plane, cycled for 40 kilometres and plans to run in the Great South Run.

Graham Harfield, from St James Church, Milton, set himself the three-fold challenge to help raise money to combat Alzheimer’s.

The paramedic, who turns 50 this year, aims to raise money for Alzheimer’s Research UK in memory of his father and father-in-law, who both died after suffering from dementia.

Graham, who is based at the North Harbour ambulance station, suffered from glandular fever in 2016 and so starting running to get himself fit again. He did the tandem skydive earlier this year and completed the 40km bike ride with his 14-year-old son Joshua.

“Skydiving was something that I’d always wanted to do, and the challenge just snowballed from there,” he said. “We had our training at 11am and took off at 2pm for the jump from 13,000ft. I wasn’t nervous, and as soon as we’d landed, I wanted to do it again!

“I’d already done the bike ride by then. Joshua and I cycled from St James’ Church with others from the 5th Portsmouth Scout Group. We cycled to Gosport via Cosham, Portchester and Fareham.

“And I’m now in training for the Great South Run. I did it in one hour and 30 minutes back in 1991, so I’d love to beat that time. But I was a lot younger then!

“I decided to raise money for Alzheimer's Research, as it is not only a good cause but because I lost my dad and father-in-law to this disease. As a paramedic, I also see the effect this heart breaking condition has on many other families and want to do my bit to support the charity in ongoing research.”

To sponsor Graham, please visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/graham-harfield