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Andrew Hawthorn

Walk 50 Miles in January 2026

Help me reach my goal of £1,000

I'm walking 50 Miles in January for Dementia UK

This January, I'm walking 50 Miles and raising funds to help ensure no family faces dementia alone. I'm taking on the challenge for Dementia UK, the specialist dementia nursing charity, and would be grateful for your support.

Your donation, big or small, makes a difference. £33 could fund a new dementia specialist Admiral Nurse to spend an hour helping a family in the community, offering practical solutions and emotional support to cope with their loved one’s distressed behaviour.

Thank you!

Please Help Me
Reach My Goal

Raised

£1,061 + £229.25 GiftAid

My Goal

£1,000

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Received 5 Donations

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My Updates

Day 22 - And That’s A Wrap!

Thursday 22nd Jan
Day 22 - And that’s a wrap! 50.21 miles walked. £1,001 raised. Happy Days!

A local dog walk today added 1.92 miles to the tally, bringing it to 49.20. With less than a mile left, when Mum rang at 4pm, flustered and asking what can I do? it was time to complete the challenge. 

A re-juggle of tasks to free up 45 minutes gave us the opportunity to finish the fundraiser together. A memory that will be cherished in years to come. 

Sincere THANKS to each and everyone who has contributed and supported the fundraiser. You have made a difference. 

And to those still walking and fundraising, Good Luck. Over and out. 

Day 22 - Fundraising Target Reached

Thursday 22nd Jan
What a way to start today, receiving a donation to reach £1,001! Today will be a good positive day! And looking back, with just 2.72  miles left to walk, January has been a great month; meeting friends for walks and receiving overwhelming support along the way. Thank you to all involved. 

Day 21 - Within Touching Distance

Wednesday 21st Jan
Day 21 - A short, late afternoon, solo walk with the pooch today to mull over the days proceedings and clear the head of some of the negativity, added 1.14 miles; bringing the 50 miles in touching distance at 47.28 miles walked to date. 
Donations continue to rise to £991 (!) with thanks today to the parents of Mums neighbour, Tracey, at no. 33 for contributing. People I’ve not met, but connected with Mum over the years. Your support is very much appreciated. 
And let’s remember what this is all about. Raising money for Dementia UK, a charity providing vital support to those affected by the disease. 

Day 19 - Almost There!

Monday 19th Jan
Day 19 - Juggling time this morning allowed Mrs H and I to take a walk with the pooch to drop in on Mum at the care home. Monday is haircut day at the home, so it was nice to grab a coffee downstairs in the reception area cafe and chat with Mum while she waited for her appointment.  A trip out to her old neighbours at no.33 this afternoon was a slight source of anxiety, due to not remembering the plans, so it was good to go through notes left in her diary by my sister and remind her of the days schedule. Returning home, 2.52 miles walked were recorded, taking the month total to 46.14; in touching distance of the 50!
Donations have increased significantly in the last 24 hours, with special thanks to Mums neighbours at no.33 and their two children, who each made a contribution. Mum meant a lot to both of them growing up and like all of us, it’s been a struggle for them to experience the impact Dementia has had on Mums health. 
Special mention to Sue too, who has never met Mum, but been a friend to us for the past 5 years whilst holidaying on the Cardigan Coast-really appreciate your generosity towards this cause. 
Remarkable that donations today total £971! Beyond my expectations and some. Sincere thanks to all who have donated to reach this amount. 
Day 19 - Almost there in miles and donations. 

Day 16 & 17

Saturday 17th Jan
Day 16 & 17 - Yesterday was a precious day to have Mum at home and complete a short walk in Sutton Park with her and Max. It meant a lot and she is the driving force behind these posts. Along with the walk back from my daughters school, a nominal 1.39 miles in total; note to self to set Run Keeper going in the way to school too! 
Diagnosed with mixed Alzheimer’s and Vascular Dementia in August, the pace at which Mum has declined has been hard to watch. So lucky to have my sister, Rebecca Morris, close by to support one another through the journey. We’ve had to make some tough decisions over the last few months and clearing the family home we both grew up in has been hard. 
It was noticeable how much slower Mum was yesterday, but being outdoors and free from the care home walls means everything to her. Her morale is fading and the torment of dementia increasing daily. 
Although difficult, Max has coped with his Nan’s decline remarkably and grown from the exposure to life’s challenges. I’m so proud of him. 
Dropping Mum back to the home, the lead nurse asked for a quiet word before leaving, to ascertain end of life plans. Their experience seeing Mums decline since arriving at the home in October and the requested conversation was telling. There are hard months ahead and I can’t express enough how much the support from all who have donated to date means to me. Thank you. 

This morning a trip with the pooch to Stratford Upon Avon to catch up with Uni renegade, Karl Walker, (who is walking a similar path currently), was a welcome break. A great circular walk added 5.81 miles to the tally, taking it over the 40 mile mark, at 43.62 miles walked. Thanks for your company mate.

Donations have continued at a pace and a big thank you to Iain Mitchell, Tim P, David Holton and Ashley Hogg, who have all contributed over the past 48hrs, taking the fundraising efforts of you all to a whopping £802! 

Therefore, the target has now been passed and reset to £1,000. With 14 days left in January, what a remarkable achievement it would be to see that level reached. 

Day 14 & 15

Saturday 17th Jan
Day 14 & 15 - Halfway through the month and a couple of nominal short dog walks today and yesterday have added 0.63 and 1.13 miles to the tally; reaching 36.42 miles. Frustrating that I forgot to record yesterdays stroll on Runkeeper until a good way in, but it just means a few more walks to keep fit instead. Every cloud! 
Thank you today to my niece, Evie Smith, for donating and taking the amount raised so far to £649. Amazing 🤩 
£101 required before the end of the month to hit £750. What an achievement that would be to reach together.
Every little bit counts and being one of 12,429 participants, a whopping £1,111,453 has been raised so far.

Day 12 - Back at it again

Monday 12th Jan
With the snow and ice melted we took the opportunity to get outdoors this morning with Max, who wanted to walk a few miles for Nan. Unfortunately the rain kicked in and we abandoned our plans. 0.61 miles was disappointing. 
However, this afternoon both the dog and I were  itching to get out after 2 days inactivity. An unplanned local route of let’s see where this takes me? yielded 5.66 miles and some new paths were explored. All in all, 6.27 miles added, bringing the total to 34.66. 

Day 11 - Target Increased

Sunday 11th Jan
It’s been great to have a weekend off walking, using the snow, (now turned to ice), as a good excuse. 
Donations have continued to come in and a big Thank You to my parent in laws for their generous donation today of £50, taking the total amount raised to date to £624. 
I’m pushing the envelope to increase my target to £750! Together we can do this and what an unbelievable achievement it would be to reach. 
Fingers crossed the weather will change as forecast with temperatures rising and the ice melting. A new week is on the horizon and the walking boots are ready. So is the dog! 

Day 9 - Snow stops play!

Friday 9th Jan
Snow arrived in abundance yesterday evening, which provided a wonderful excuse for a walking day off. After the lengthy amble yesterday I had a few miles in the bag and a few minor aches too, so it was good to take a break. 
Donations have continued to flow, with thanks to Marie George, Martin Fisher and my long lost cousin who I must catch up with, Rachel. 
It’s been fantastic to reset my target again and increase it to £650. Absolutely incredible to be over the £500 mark and still climbing. Humbled completely by your efforts. 

Day 8

Thursday 8th Jan
Day 8 - With a severe weather warning in place and the potential to not get out tomorrow, this morning I had the pleasure of Stu, (my usual biking partner in crime), to notch a few miles up together. Thanks to my wife for holding the fort at home whilst on her week off work and freeing up my time to amble. 
We had planned a Peak District visit, but decided to stay local and make the most of the dry morning weather. 8.27 miles later and the tally stands at 28.39 walked to date. 
A visit to see Mum late afternoon reminded me why it’s so important to get involved with things like this. She was struggling with it all today, tormented and tired with life and wanting the OFF switch to be pressed. Charities provide so much support to families at the time of need and it’s not until you’re in it, that their importance is appreciated. 
Thanks again to all who have donated. Tim Hall, thanks for contributing today. I’m really grateful Budd. 

Day 7 - 2.78 miles added

Wednesday 7th Jan
A few more miles added to the total this morning and late afternoon, with 1.91 accompanied by the dog and a solo late afternoon 0.87 stroll to get bread; leaving the car at home. 20.12 miles obtained to date over 7 days, which I’m more than happy with. Just wish I’d pressed GO on Run Keeper when visiting the Lego shop in Birmingham this morning, as a mile or so wasn’t recorded and slipped through the net. Grrr! They all matter now. 
Amazing to have exceeded the £500 donation mark today. Truely amazing and I am so grateful to have received the support from friends and family. Looking forward to a few longer walks planned throughout the month. 

Day 6 - Walk 2

Wednesday 7th Jan
Managed to put another 2 miles in this afternoon, walking to visit Mum at the care home and share an hour listening to a singer covering hits from the past. Amazing to see how music unlocks the mind and turns the lights on in the brain. Smiles of happiness amongst elderly people reminded me to treat them no differently to how I would wish to be treated. 17.34 miles is great to be at.

Day 6

Tuesday 6th Jan
Day 6 and a slow, short, local walk today, accompanied by my son, wife and pooch, added 1.72 miles to the tally; bringing the total so far to 15.34. I’d planned to reach 20 miles by Sunday 11th and with a few longer walks planned this week, it will be good to get ahead of the curve. 
Donations to date have reached a fantastic £461 (+£94 gift aid). Thanks today to my Auntie, Christine Hawthorn, for adding £20 towards this. Without the support given so far, the miles walked wouldn’t matter. Thank you 🙏🏻 

Day 5 and 13.62 miles reached

Monday 5th Jan
Another snow fall throughout the night provided a nice fresh white blanket to leave footprints in this morning, on our familiar local circuit. With Mrs. H off work this week it was great to have her company and a slow amble was chosen to maximise the kid free time. 2.63 miles accomplished bringing the total mikes walked to 13.62. Small steps with great progress. 

Day 4 and 10.94 miles reached

Sunday 4th Jan
Yesterday saw very little walking due to a day out enjoying the Shropshire countryside and steam trains in the Severn Valley Railway. Therefore, there was some catching up to be done today to reach my target of 10 miles walked by the end of the day; leaving 10 miles each week for the rest of the month. 
With 4.73 miles walked since the 1st, an early (ish) start for a Sunday saw  Jez Merkel arrive at 9am and s short 20 minute drive out to Fradley Junction for a brisk hours circular walk; 4.35 miles later a late morning coffee from the Laughing Duck Cafe was our reward. Home for 11:20 and straight out to walk the dog with my Jodie Hawthorn, on our local circuit, gained another 1.86 miles in the bag. 10.94 reached in total and target met with a little bit to spare. Happy days and a happy start to Sunday. Bring on next week. 

Day 2 and a snowy morning walk enjoyed!

Friday 2nd Jan
Day 2 and a sprinkling of snow greeted us, making this mornings walk fresh, but beautiful. A short local circuit squeezed in early morning, similar to yesterday, to take in the winter weather changes. 2.61 miles knocked off the 50, but at a slow pace due to icy conditions and too many stops to take photographs!

First Walk In The Bag

Thursday 1st Jan
First walk  of the month completed with the pooch around our local circuit. Only a short one as it was squeezed in once my wonderful wife arrived home from her NewYears Eve nightshift, before going to sleep. 1.78 mikes off the 50 though. Game on!

Target reached at Christmas

Thursday 25th Dec
So pleased to have the support from wonderful friends to have reached £256 in  donations by Christmas Day. I hope the total can exceed my expectations by the end of January and make a difference to a worthwhile cause. Merry Christmas.

Day 2 after signing up and £153 donated. Simply superb!

Sunday 14th Dec
So grateful to those that have donated in the first 24 hours since signing up to the Walk 50 Miles in January Challenge. Simply superb to reach £153 in that time. Grateful and beyond.

Thank you to my Sponsors

£50

Sue Burroughs

Well done Andy - just a few miles left now!

£50

Tracy Robinson

Good luck Andy, doing a great job at supporting your mum!

£50

Tim P

Great cause to support Andy - hope you enjoy the walks too!

£50

Robert And Pat Smith

Just logged in to do our donation. Fantastic what you’ve raised so far

£33

Sara

£33

Roger Burdett

£33

Andrew Medlock

Amazing effort for a truly important cause - way to go Andy! Much love!

£33

Karl Walker

Top man Andy 👍

£33

Simon Lees

Good luck Andy. Really worthwhile cause

£33

Amt

Lots of love

£25

Anonymous

£25

R, V And The Kids

Great work Andy. Will you take up the challenge to beat The Proclaimers next...?

£25

Sarah, Fil, Mattie And Elliott

Such a worthy cause. Good luck with the walk. Perhaps we could join you on a walk xx

£25

Barry Whitelaw

£20

Evie Smith

So proud of you! Love you ♥️

£20

Kate, Pete, Ollie And Elsie

Great effort matey, hope this gesture gets you closer to your target. 🎯 We are all proud of you !

£20

Jez Merckel

Wear good socks.

£20

Marie George

Walk Andy walk! A great cause x

£20

Martin Fisher

£20

Toby Jones

Great cause mate, good luck.

£20

David Holton

£20

Jenny Tuck

Great thing you’re doing 👍🏻 Good luck and best wishes x

£20

Iain Mitchell

Well done mate, brilliant effort, fantastic cause.

£20

Suzanne Beech

£20

Chris Hawthorn

£20

Ivan & Ann Dolan

Well done for doing all your walks.

£20

Richard Hawthorn

Good for you Andy, hope this helps, even if it’s just a little… always here if you need to talk 🫂

£20

Maureen & Jeff Williams

Supporting a good cause Andrew, well done! Love Maureen & Jeff (Tracy Robinson’s parents)

£20

Dave Campbell

Great cause Andy - well done Matt and wrap up warm !

£20

Gareth Evans

£20

Andrew Hawthorn

£19

J Spittle

£19

Iain

£15

Jean Hawthorn

Good luck Son. Mum xx

£15

Karl Elwell

Nice one mate! As they say: “Eat half - walk double - laugh triple!”… Let’s start with trying to tick off 2 of the 3 this year… 😄👍🏼👊🏽 #yougotthis

£10

Nicola

Well done Andy a great start! Good luck for the rest of it 👍🏼

£10

Nicola Hudson

Thank you for doing this on behalf of all of us that have been impacted by this horrible condition.

£10

Victoria Sambrook

£10

Hollie Bowden

An amazing cause and sorry it’s so close to home for you. Sending love and well wishes to you all.

£10

Andy Bishop

Well done mate.

£10

Matthew Robinson

Good luck Andy

£10

Shane Hogg

Good luck mate!

£10

The Foleys

Go smash it Andy 💪🏻

£10

Lauren R & Taylor

Good luck Andy x

£10

The Allen Fam

Loving your work my friend. A great man doing something for a great cause x

£10

Amie

❤️

£10

Paul Ashford

£10

The He-ha’s

Good Effort, Andy.

£10

Rachel

Well done Andrew. Please give Auntie Jean a big hug from me. Love to you all xx

£10

Ashley Hogg

You are amazing Andy ❤️ almost at your goal now! Lots of love xxx

£5

Anonymous