AN Otley man who has been inspired by his father’s battle with dementia will be taking part in a unique fundraiser -sailing a dinghy backwards.

Matthew Thomas was just six years old when he was taught how to sail by his father, Eric, in a boat he had built in his garage back in 1971.

It turned into a lifelong passion for Matthew, 52, the Chief Instructor at Otley Sailing Club, one that he shared with his father.

Thirty five years later his father was diagnosed with dementia, which led to a five-year battle with the devastating condition, where he was stripped of his independence and became unrecognisable to those who loved him, before he died aged 84.

Inspired by their shared love for the sport, Mr Thomas a production engineer at NG Bailey, is now challenging himself to sail backwards for two hours on his dad’s beloved boat.

He says the unusual fundraiser is a way of mirroring the heartbreak caused by dementia, and the sailing session will raise vital funds for Alzheimer’s Research UK.

What makes the situation even more poignant is that Matthew’s mum, Margaret, is now living with Alzheimer’s. While her symptoms are not in the severe stages yet, Matthew knows from experience what is to come.

The father-of-two, from Otley, said: “I didn’t know anything about dementia before my dad was diagnosed, but what I experienced was harrowing.

“He was always a very gentle man, but his symptoms made him become violent and he would lash out at people who tried to help. It was horrible to see someone I looked up to, who picked me up when I fell and who taught me so much, having to be cared for like a small child in the end.

“This is why I decided to challenge myself to sail backwards, as a way of highlighting what happens when somebody develops dementia. It’s like their mind is working backwards. I also wanted to do something relevant to us – every time I hoist a sail, I remember my dad, and it means a lot to be able to do this in the boat he built.”

Employees at NG Bailey voted for Alzheimer’s Research to become this year’s charity partner.

Mr Thomas will be sailing around a 140-metre course at Otley Sailing Club on Saturday. His target is to raise £500. To sponsor him, visit ngbailey.everydayhero.com/uk/matt