SWINDON youngster Ryan Turner’s campaign to raise money for dementia awareness and the hospital ward where his beloved great grandmother is cared for has passed the £500 mark.

Ryan, who is just nine years old, won the hearts of Advertiser readers a few weeks ago when he announced he would do a 60ft high sponsored zip wire ride over the sea, even though he is terrified of heights.

On Friday workmates of his mum Laura railed round and held a fun day, dressing up in Olympic-themed clothes and going real-life Pokemon hunting around Old Town, the day before the youngster was due to be strapped in for the high speed ride from the end of Bournemouth Pier to the shore.

The team at Carpea also organised a raffle with prizes donated by local firms.

And it’s all because Ryan is devoted to is 92-year-old “Nanna” Joan Selby.

Laura said: “My work was amazing they gave up their time to help Ryan and also made him feel good and so welcome to be part of it all.

“So far we have raised about £500 but still have lots of money coming in from this and we’re hoping to get up to £800 from work.

“I can't thank them enough and Ryan is so overwhelmed with it all,” she said.

“They have helped Ryan reach and smash his target.”

Cakes were baked and sold, Ryan ran a tombola table of his own and the donated prizes included hotel stays, restaurant and vouchers.”

Laura said the support from local firms had been amazing and Carpea staff are planning to follow up the fun day with a poker night later in September.

Ryan, who goes to the Grange Junior School, visits Joan most days and will spend time talking with her. It doesn’t matter to him if she can’t remember who he is.

Laura said they had always been close but became closer after the dementia began to take hold and when Joan, who is looked after on Jupiter Ward at the Great Western Hospital, suffered an episode he would take it in his stride.

When he started his fundraising campaign his initial target was £200, but so many people responded in the wake of the Advertiser’s front page story that he and his family decided they could raise much more.

The money will be split between Jupiter Ward and the Alzheimer’s Society.

To help Ryan reach his target visit justgiving.com/crowdfunding/laura-turner-1