A cycling challenge has returned to raise funds for the charity's dementia support service throughout September.

St John's, one of Winchester's oldest charities, has been supporting the community for more than 900 years.

The Ride to Remember campaign, organised by St John's Winchester, invites participants to cycle either 100 miles or 100km during the month using a stationary, pedal, or electric bike, either individually or as part of a team.

Tim Bissett, chief executive of St John's Winchester, said: "Dementia changes lives forever - not just for the person diagnosed, but for their family and carers too.

"At St John's, we see every day the courage it takes to live with dementia, and the strength carers give so selflessly.

"Our Ride to Remember is about standing alongside them, raising vital funds so no one faces dementia alone.

"I'd encourage everyone to get behind it - together we can make a real difference."

The campaign runs throughout September, coinciding with Alzheimer's Awareness Month, and aims to fundraise for St John's Dementia Support service.

The service offers practical assistance, emotional support, and social activities for individuals living with dementia and their caregivers.

(Image: Photo by Fat Lads via Unsplash)

The Ride to Remember challenge was first launched in May 2024, inspired by keen cyclist Mark McLaren.

Mr McLaren was diagnosed with early-onset dementia and wanted to give back to the charity that supported him.

Funds raised will help St John's continue supporting more than 500 people living with dementia and their families.

Participants can join as individuals, teams, or through their workplace or organisation.

The campaign features a leaderboard to recognise top fundraisers in individual, team, and organisational categories.

St John's Winchester described the challenge as a way for the community to unite in support of some of its most vulnerable members.

The charity, based in the heart of the city, recently launched The Big Conversation, another community initiative aimed at bringing people together.

St John's said it hopes the Ride to Remember will continue building on this momentum while highlighting the ongoing need for dementia support.

The charity's Dementia Support service has been running since October 2022 and relies on community fundraising to continue delivering its services.

Those interested in taking part can sign up through the St John's Winchester website or follow updates on the charity's social media channels.