A WIRRAL student is hoping to raise £1,000 by completing a skydive for Alzheimer's UK after her granddad was diagnosed with dementia.

Student nurse Zoe Torgersen, 19, from Greasby wanted something positive to focus on after her granddad Peter, 78, was diagnosed with dementia in 2017.

In December, Peter suffered a stroke and his condition deteriorated.

Zoe is now determined to raise cash for Alzheimer's UK in an attempt to help others in the same situation as her granddad.

She told the Globe: "I want to do this for my granddad.

"When he had the stroke his dementia got worse. One day when I took him out, I got really upset because he was really forgetful.

"I spoke to my dad and he said why didn't I focus my sadness on doing something positive and this is when I got the idea of a skydive.

"I'm so grateful that my parents have agreed to pay my sponsor money for taking part in the skydive so all the money I raise can go straight to the charity.

"As well as the skydive I'm hosting a £2 coffee and cake morning on February 24 in Irby with tombola prizes generously donated by businesses such as Total Fitness, The Red Cat, The Shippons and The Greave Dunning.

"It's given me a focus, i'm so excited to do it. I am determined to do more to help as well.

"On the day my family will come down to watch, including my granddad so it'll be a very special day."

After the skydive Zoe hopes to continue fundraising and has already planned to take part in the Wirral Coastal Walk with her dad.

Zoe added: "To anyone who donates, thank you so much.It means a great deal to me and my family.

"I know I won't find a cure for dementia on my own, but I hope by skydiving I will raise awareness as well as some funds for the amazing charity who is trying to cure the horrible disease."

To attend the coffee and cake morning in Irby on Saturday, February 24 please email lauren.jones@nqnw.co.uk

To donate please visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/zoe-torgersen2