A Thorpe St Andrew super-slimmer has admitted he is addicted to fundraising as he completes six challenges, ending in a 470K cycle challenge from Vietnam to Cambodia.

Ian Golden, 43, found a new love for exercise after he attended a Slimming World class in Catton last year and lost five stone.

Now the father-of-two, regional director for the eastern counties for plumbing suppliers Plumbase, says he wants to continue adding to his growing �4,000 target for the Alzheimer's Society – and says the social media website Twitter has helped word of his efforts to spread.

So far, Mr Golden has completed two 60-mile bike rides, one 100-mile bike ride, a half-marathon, and will complete the London Duathlon, finishing with what he calls 'the big one' at the end of October.

His exercise bug is continuing to grow, but he said his international ride is taking it to a new level for Alzheimer's.

He said: 'Alzheimer's is close to a lot of people's hearts. If you don't know someone who is directly effected by it, then you will know someone, who knows someone who does.

'The charity really needs the funding and hopefully the money I raise will make a real difference.'

The cycle will take 11 days in total, and will start in Cambodia, ending in northern Vietnam.

Mr Golden says his use of Twitter has helped the total on his fundraising website to grow.

'I have picked up a lot of followers and re-tweets about my fundraising and everyone, from my colleagues at work to random tweeters, have been so generous with their money.

'It's a personal challenge and helps me to keep a healthy lifestyle.'

To sponsor Ian, visit www.justgiving.com/Ian-Golden-2012.

Are you raising funds for a cause close to your heart? Call Local Life reporter Rosa McMahon on 01603 772443 or email rosa.mcmahon@archant.co.uk