A schoolboy is hoping to raise thousands of pounds for the nursing home that cared for his much-loved granddad before he died.

Ted Williams, 16, of Selsdon, has already made around £1,000 for Selhurst dementia care centre Heavers Court through car washes, bake sales and raffles – and he is far from finished yet.

The John Fisher School pupil is aiming to top up the total to £10,000 at a special school fair, which he has arranged himself, on Saturday.

Ted’s granddad, Albert Mackey, spent six months at the home towards to end of his life.

Mr Mackey, who died in 2011 aged 75, suffered from Alzheimer’s disease.

And Ted, of Birdwood Close, was inspired to raise money for the home after a two-week stint of work experience there last year.

He said: “Everyone has a stigma about it, like there’s just old people there, but that really isn’t the case.

“There was a man in his mid-40s with dementia who didn’t even know where he was.

“With the money they raise they take patients down to the beach, or out for dinner. They want to buy a music set to stimulate their mind and keep them active, because if they’re not active it makes them worse."

Your Local Guardian:

Albert Mackey, who had Alzheimer's disease, died in 2011

Ted has also been spurred on by the memory of his granddad.

He said: “While he was at Heavers Court it helped him and it helped by nan, because although she’s really strong we don’t know what she went through before he went into the centre.

“He was close to everyone. He was really big but really kind and gentle. He was a great laugh, always getting the party started. He is greatly missed.

The event on Saturday, at John Fisher School in Purley, will involve a ‘walk down memory lane’ – a short stroll across the school’s grounds that will also take a look back at its history.

There will also be a bar, music, BBQ and raffles - with prizes donated by generous friends, family, the school and a few familiar names.

Among the items up for grabs will be boxing gloves donated by heavyweight David Haye.

Your Local Guardian:

Ted with brother Harry, 12, and parents Annette and Bob

Ted, who won an award from his school for his fundraising, said: “People have been so generous.

"There is a jeweller’s in Croydon that have donated nine shambala bracelets worth £40 each for the raffle. We’ve had alcohol, football shirts – everything. It has been amazing."

His mum, Annette, 46, said: "Everyone is coming together with it, which is quite a big achievement really. It is difficult thing to talk about anyway, Alzheimer's.

"We are a big, close family and he was really close to his granddad. It was a difficult time. It's only when you start talking about it that you realise how it affects you.

"We are really really proud of him, he has been doing it all off his own back - and he's doing his GCSEs!”

The event will run from noon to 5pm at the playing fields of John Fisher School, Peaks Hill, Purley. The walk will set off at 1.30pm.