A dog named Nelson is getting ready for one of the biggest adventures of his life as he prepares to travel 1,500km through Europe on the back of his owner's bike to raise money for two charities.

Sean Grobler from Hothfield rescued Nelson, a Portuguese Pointer, from Animal Rescue Algarve in Portugal back in 2020 when he volunteered there for three months.

Now Mr Grobler and his friend Sam Latter will cycle through France, Spain and Portugal with Nelson in a carriage behind them, to raise money for the animal charity as well as Dementia UK.

The friends, both aged 23, will set off tomorrow on the pilgrimage named Camino de Santiago which is expected to last around 40 days.

They will start in St-Jean-Pied-de-Port in the south of France and cycle through all terrains until they reach the finish line at the dog shelter in The Algarve where Nelson came from.

Mr Grobler said: "When I volunteered at the shelter I was pretty disciplined to not fall in love with a dog, I told myself I couldn’t bring one back.

"But Nelson’s energy was infectious and he’s the most loving dog you’ll ever meet.

"He’s around 12 so it was nice to give an older dog a chance in their later years."

While Mr Grobler chose ARA, Mr Latter decided to support Dementia UK after losing his grandmother to the disease six years ago.

Mr Latter said: "I have experienced first-hand the impacts of dementia and the sadness and difficulties it brings to a family, with my grandma suffering severely in the later course of her life requiring round the clock support from our family and 24/7 carers.

"It highlighted the importance of these amazing charities like Dementia UK that provide crucial support for those suffering with dementia and their loved ones.

"Any donations that can be made to this amazing charity will mean a lot to myself, my family and I’m sure many others out there that have or have had loved ones suffer from dementia."

So far the pair, who renovate properties for a living, have raised £1,510 out of their £1,750 target.

The money will help ARA continue its work rescuing, rehoming and rehabilitating abandoned animals, while supporting Dementia UK with its aim of improving the quality of life for people with dementia.

To donate to the cause, click here.