Thunderbirds creator Gerry Anderson, who dreamt up the scripts for the science fiction movies and films, cannot nowadays tell the difference between his phone and TV remote control as his life is taken over by Alzheimer’s.

Now his son Jamie Anderson, who lives in Gloucestershire, will take part in three walking marathons – including one in Wiltshire – in aid of the Alzheimer’s Society.

Gerry Anderson, 83, who lives in Henley, is the latest celebrity to join the fight against dementia, following the lead of former West Country journalist Terry Pratchett, the author of the Discworld series of books.

His son will take part in three marathon Memory Walks over three consecutive weekends organised by the Alzheimer’s Society, in Northern Ireland on September 1, Northumber-land on September 8 and at Stonehenge on September 16 – a total of 78 miles Jamie Anderson, 27, said: “I’d noticed changes in my Dad, for instance on many occasions I saw him struggle to distinguish between the phone and the TV remote control. He decided to speak out about his dementia to help raise awareness and to show that it can happen to anyone, “I support the Memory Walk because I have seen first hand how dementia affects both the individual and their family. I urge everyone to join me and sign up with their family and friends for these challenging events.”

Adrian Williams, community fundraiser for Alzheim-er’s Trust, said: “It’s fantastic that Jamie has decided to take part in all three memory walks. These walks are an excellent opportunity for people to walk together with the common goal of fighting dementia.”

The Alzheimer’s Society has united with BUPA Care Homes to organise the events because both are supporting people with dementia.