A south Bucks teenager is set to host a charity basketball event in memory of his grandmother just days before Christmas.

Oli Lawrie, from Bourne End, is organising the “friendly” and “inclusive” tournament to raise money for Alzheimer’s Society, which helped his grandmother in the last few years of her life, after she was diagnosed with the chronic condition, and his grandfather to care for her.

The 18-year-old has been a fixture in local basketball teams for more than a decade and, until recently, was the coach of the Bourne End youth club team.

He said: “I decided to take part in this challenge for Alzheimer’s Society after my grandma lived with dementia in the last few years of her life.

“Alzheimer’s Society helped her and my grandpa alike, so it only made sense that I should try and make a difference for a cause that’s impacted my family in such a way.

“Not only will it raise money and make a difference to lives of people currently being affected by dementia, but it will also bring the local community of all ages together for a day of basketball.”

The event, which will take place on Friday at Bourne End Academy, has already raised more than £1,500 but Mr Lawrie is hoping to hit the £2,000 mark by Christmas.

He added: “Becoming more aware about dementia is something we can all realistically do that will make a difference to the communities we live in.

“I hope other people will also run similar events in the future to promote the good work the charity does, as well as raise awareness for such a terrible condition.

“It’s great to think that I will be raising funds to help support people to live well with dementia and to fund research to one day find a cure for dementia.”

Alzheimer’s Society community fundraiser for Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, Tim Waters, welcomed Mr Lawrie’s decision to help the charity.

He said: “It’s great that Oli is giving his time to support Alzheimer’s Society. Dementia can happen to anyone and there is currently no cure.

“But with the right support, people can live well with dementia.

“As a charity, we rely on the generosity of individuals like Oli to help us continue our vital work so that Alzheimer’s Society can continue leading the fight against dementia.”

People can go along on the day for an open session before the actual tournament to try out their basketball skills.

For more information, or to donate, visit mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/oliverlawrie1.