INTREPID Sion Jiar will embark on a gruelling mountain marathon to prove life doesn’t end when dementia begins.

The 66-year-old Ulverston man was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease four years ago, but believes physical endurance is keeping the condition at bay.

Now he is planning his toughest challenge yet – a 28-mile mountain hike from Coniston to Keswick, via England’s highest peak, Scafell Pike.

During the walk, which he aims to complete in 14 hours with partner Wendy Kolbe, 63, he will climb 9,327 feet in combined ascents - a quarter of the height of Everest in just over half a day.

“I’m doing this to raise awareness of dementia and to show that life can and does go on after a diagnosis,” said Sion.

“Since I was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease I have climbed to the top of the Old Man of Coniston almost every day, and that’s in addition to the ten miles I walk each day near my home.

“These mountains are my gym. I do all my thinking up here and I’m convinced the time I spend out walking is slowing down the progression of my dementia.

“It’s only when I stop being physically active for any length of time that I experience more acutely the memory loss and other mental problems associated with the disease.”

There is scientific evidence to support this theory. A number of studies have shown that physical, as well as mental, activity not only reduces the risk of developing dementia, but slows down its progression post-diagnosis.

On its website, the Alzheimer’s Society states: “Leading a physically active lifestyle can have a significant impact on the wellbeing of people with dementia…in all stages of the condition.”

Former engineer and draughtsman Sion believes his diagnosis was delayed due to the symptoms of another condition – pernicious anaemia.

He said: “I was diagnosed with pernicious anaemia seven years ago and was told I had three years to live.

“It causes a deficiency of red blood cells that carry oxygen around the body, but I found that spending time in the mountains enabled me to function on lower oxygen levels.

“So when I first started to experience confusion and memory loss, I put it down to low oxygen levels. The idea that I might have dementia hadn’t occurred to me.”

Sion and partner Wendy got together just over a year ago. Both had been single a long time – Sion’s marriage broke up 35 years ago – but they are now inseparable.

“I started talking to her one day when she was cleaning her windows and plucked up the courage to ask her out,” recalled Sion.

“We’re very well matched, physically and emotionally. Wendy has filled a hole in my life and now when life is good, which is nearly all of the time, it compensates for when I’m down.

“I get frustrated sometimes because I can’t do the things I used to do. I’m forgetful and easily confused.

“I also have difficulties with directional and special awareness, especially in unfamiliar places, so the marathon I’m planning will be particularly challenging.”

Wendy, a part-time artist and teacher, joked: “Sion didn’t tell me about his dementia straight away and by the time he did it was too late…I’d already fallen in love with him!

“He’s a very special person. We spend most of our time together – I think I’ve been up and down more mountains in the past year than I have during the rest of my life.”

The couple will attempt the marathon one day between June 27 and July 17 depending on weather conditions.

Sion added: “The purpose of this marathon is to show people with dementia they don’t have to worry that their life is over – there is still a lot they can do to enjoy life.

“Personally, I don’t fear the future. I will keep active for as long as I can and make the most of the time I have left. If I were to die in these mountains, I’d die a happy man.”