A 55-YEAR-OLD woman is tackling a gruelling sprint triathlon this Sunday to help build a sensory garden for dementia sufferers in Peebles.

HR Director Sheryl Sur wants to raise £500 by tackling a 750 metre swim across a lake and a 19.2 kilometre cycle ride finished off with a five kiometre run.

She is doing the charity challenge in memory of her father Michael Pickard from Innerleithen and her father-in-law Kip Sur who both died earlier this year.

They were both excellent sportsmen in their day and suffered from Alzheimers and Dementia in their final years.

Mrs Sur from Broxbourne, Hertfordshire, is taking part in the Eton Dorney Sprint Triathlon in Surrey on Sunday and all proceeds will go to the Firholm Day Unit in Peebles.

She said:"Firholm's excellent staff gave my dad dignity and purpose and supported my mum when she needed it most, even after he died.

"Dad and Kip both loved their gardens and I know they'd be proud to have a sensory garden built in their name to give other sufferers a tranquil place to breathe the fresh air, feel the warmth of the sun on their faces and smell the roses."

To make a donation to the cause, you can do so online by visiting www.justgiving.com/sheryl4firholm/