Wilcock took early retirement from Heidelberg in 2021 aged 58, and intended to enjoy retired life with his wife Renate.

Sadly he was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s not long after he retired.

Benton and his wife had become friends with the Wilcocks through work.

“I got to know Ian through Heidelberg and at Picon events, our wives became very good friends and we became close outside of work,” Benton said.

“Unfortunately soon after he retired he was diagnosed. I haven’t seen someone go through this, and I thought what can I do? And it was actually a piece of print that came through my door and it was promoting Trek26 for the Alzheimer’s Society.

“I asked Ian and Renate for permission to do the walk in Ian’s name and they were happy for me to do it.”

Wilcock is held in high esteem by his industry contacts in the UK and beyond, and Benton has already exceeded his initial fundraising target of £2,000 and now hopes to raise as much as £20,000.

Benton said Wilcock had been “blown away with the generosity”.

Heidelberg UK managing director Ryan Miles said the company was supporting Benton’s fundraising efforts and would also support him on the day.

The business has donated £2,000 and individual ‘Heidelbergers’ and former colleagues have also contributed separately.

"Ian is held in such high regard by so many people in the industry. He’s such a wonderful guy and it’s very sad this has happened,” Miles said.

Benton said he hoped Wilcock would be well enough to join him at the finish line of the walk, which takes place on 3 August and involves walking 26 miles along the Suffolk Coast.

“He is doing all he can to fight against this illness, as well as trying to help others. So hopefully we can all make a difference, maybe not for Ian – but certainly for future sufferers.”

Donations can be made via Benton's Just Giving page for the trek.

Funds raised will help the Alzheimer’s Society research into treatments and a possible future cure.