A SALE man has won an award for going above and beyond after fundraising more than £17,000 for Alzheimer’s Research UK, an illness which his wife died from, writes Tom Dyson.

Fred Walker won a Halifax Giving Extra Award and was one of 67 local winners recognised for his efforts to raise awareness and people’s understanding of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.

The 76-year-old was a full-time carer for his wife who had the disease for 10 years and he nursed her at home from early onset until her death.

As well as being a champion of Alzheimer’s UK, Mr Walker gives regular presentations on Alzheimer’s and has written a book which he co-authored with friend and neurophysiologist Dr Chris Pomfrett, called Alzheimer’s: An Engineer’s View to help raise awareness of the illness.

Mr Walker said: “I have been a dedicated supporter of Alzheimer’s Research UK for four years. Although my fundraising efforts and charity work aren’t to win awards, it feels great to be recognised and rewarded for the work I have done for the charity.”

To celebrate the winners, Halifax awarded them with vouchers worth £250. They will then have the chance to become one of seven regional winners to represent their region and the winners will each be given £500 in vouchers and a £500 donation to a local good cause.

David Nicholson, director of Halifax Community Bank, said: “It was difficult to choose the 67 winners because we received so many incredible nominations.

“However, the work Fred has done for Alzheimer’s Research UK really caught our panel’s attention and we wanted to recognise him with this Halifax Giving Extra Award."