Andrew Jackson

Day 13 of 62 miles for 31 Days of Meaning

Busy day again today, so I headed out for a late walk this evening — and I’m glad I did. The light was beautiful, and the walk gave me more than I expected.

Saw deer.
And then… two badgers.
I’ve never seen badgers on these walks before — and definitely not two. The first was a big one, and to my surprise, Mauii (who never chases deer or anything really) decided to give it a go. Thankfully, his recall is solid — could have gone very differently.

The second was smaller, and I even managed to get a photo — not a brilliant one, but I was keeping a respectful distance. I’ll be honest: I’m a little bit scared of badgers. They’re solid creatures.

Tomorrow is Dad’s funeral.
I won’t say much about that now. What I will say is that the past few days have brought messages, phone calls, little check-ins from friends and family — and it’s been humbling.
There’s something quietly powerful about people just reaching out with no agenda other than care. I’m truly grateful for that.

✉️ Today’s #LeaveANote went on one of my favourite parts of the walk — a good one today, left with a full heart
🗣️ Some nice conversations along the way — mainly from people curious about the badgers!
🌱 No standout good deeds today… maybe I’m saving a few up. Some days, even when you look for them, they don’t quite show themselves.
📸 Photo from the long walk — soft light, late sun, and the moment just right. Not the clearest snap of the badger, but still a rare moment to hold onto.

Still walking for Dad.
Still grateful for all of it.

👉 https://fundraise.dementiauk.org/fundraisers/andrewjackson

#31DaysOfMeaning #62MilesInMay #ForDad #DementiaUK #EveningWalks #UnexpectedWildlife #BadgerSpotting #WalkWithPurpose #LeaveANote #QuietGratitude #MauiiTheDog #HopeInAction

Day 12 of 62 miles for 31 Days of Meaning

If yesterday the miles were no trouble, today they were a lot of trouble.

Woke up with a stiff neck again — second time in three days. A pulled muscle down my back into my neck made moving around a real challenge. I was meant to be out on the river today with some brilliant clients, soaking up the sunshine, but instead I found myself sitting at the computer — cushion wedged behind me, trying to get comfortable, and quietly frustrated.

Still, I walked. Slowly, stiffly… but I walked.

A lot of my time today was spent working on new ideas and concepts — things I’m excited about, things that keep me going. I never really stop. That mindset — get up and get on with it — runs deep. And as I was finalising the eulogy I’ll be reading at Dad’s funeral on Wednesday, it struck me: he was exactly the same.

That willingness to push through, to carry on, to keep showing up — sometimes it gives us strength, and sometimes it replaces rest.
But it’s how he lived. And, I suppose, how I do too.

It might sound strange, but I’m actually looking forward to the funeral. Not because it’s easy — it’s not — but because it marks a moment in the journey. It’s a day Dad would have appreciated: no fuss, just getting on with what needs to be done. And a rare chance to gather with people who loved him, share stories, and remember who he was in full colour.

✉️ Today’s #LeaveANote was dropped near the airfield — probably waiting to be found by someone like me: poking around where they don’t quite belong
🗣️ Not many big conversations today, but a few good moments of connection
🌱 Quiet day on the good deed front, but one phone call may have opened the door to something that matters
📸 Photo taken across the airfield — the Piper aircraft lined up in the sun, the same ones that fly over our house every day

Still walking for Dad.
And if you’ve found meaning in any of these messages — I’d love your support, in whatever form it takes.

👉 https://fundraise.dementiauk.org/fundraisers/andrewjackson

#31DaysOfMeaning #62MilesInMay #ForDad #DementiaUK #HopeInAction #WalkWithPurpose #GriefAndMovement #QuietStrength #PiperAircraft #LeaveANote

Day 11 of 62 miles for 31 Days of Meaning

Miles were no trouble today — I got them in without a second thought.
I was working up in Nottingham at Holme Pierrepont, coaching a few of the athletes getting ready for the World Championships in June.

On the drive home, I found myself down a bit of a rabbit hole, listening to a podcast about the link between Type 2 diabetes and dementia — especially vascular dementia, which is what my dad had. I’ve become pretty fascinated (and let’s be honest, a bit angry) about the connection.

I don’t have diabetes, and I keep a close eye on my blood sugar — usually once or twice a week. It’s always been good. But like a lot of people, I grew up on the kind of diet we were all told was “healthy” — heavy on pasta, potatoes, and rice.

Now, we’re starting to understand that metabolic health is at the centre of so much. And those long-term, high-carb diets? They turn into glucose. And over time, that has real consequences. What we’re seeing more and more is that metabolic disease is at the heart of so many of the things that are getting at people — including dementia.

I don’t want to get political, and this isn’t a lecture. But I am paying more attention now. Because watching my dad fade the way he did… it makes you question everything. It makes you want to stay on top of the things you can control.

✉️ Today’s #LeaveANote is still sitting on my desk — written for Nottingham, for a spot by the water. I’ll take it next time I’m up there. Some notes just know where they belong.
🗣️ Lots of great conversations today — at the course, and later on a local walk. Even got chatting about a Messerschmitt car.
🌱 Plenty of quiet good deeds today — it’s always easy to be useful in a coaching environment
📸 No photo today — just a video clip from a fun little challenge I set: how many loops (forward pitch rotations) can you do in one minute? I can do 3. These guys hit 16–20. It’s chaos. It’s brilliant.

Still walking for Dad. Still trying to make sense of it all.
👉 https://fundraise.dementiauk.org/fundraisers/andrewjackson

#31DaysOfMeaning #62MilesInMay #ForDad #DementiaUK #VascularDementia #Type2Diabetes #MetabolicHealth #HolmePierrepont #CoachLife #HopeInAction #LoopChallenge #LeaveANote

Day 10 of 62 miles for 31 Days of Meaning

Getting going this morning was hard. Somehow I’d cricked my neck yesterday, and I just couldn’t seem to shift the stiffness or the low energy. It took a while — but eventually, I got moving, got something done, and by this afternoon, I was feeling a lot better.

And I’m glad I waited for the afternoon — blazing sunshine gave way to something a little cooler, perfect for walking the dog.

We always had dogs growing up — all shapes and sizes. My dad loved dogs. In fact, I don’t think I can remember him without one by his side. And dogs seemed to love him back — he had that calm, kind presence they just trusted.

When we got Mauii, I’ll admit I was a bit unsure. Dogs are amazing, but let’s be honest — they’re also work. They’re another set of needs and routines to juggle.
But he’s absolutely worth it.
Walking with Mauii brings such peace and presence. It gets me outside, keeps me moving, and helps me notice things I’d otherwise miss. And he’s very much part of the family now.

✉️ Today’s #LeaveANote went out along my usual walk, just in a new spot — if someone’s been walking my path this month, they’ll have found a few messages by now
🗣️ Lots of conversations out on the trail — loads of dogs, loads of dog people
🌱 Good deed: Gave some encouragement to a young boy cycling with his dad — a small moment, but it clearly meant something
📸 Photo of Mauii in stunning light — summer sunshine filtering through the new leaves, blossom on the ground from the chestnut trees. Just magic.

Still walking in memory of Dad, raising funds for Dementia UK.
You can follow the journey or support it here:
👉 https://fundraise.dementiauk.org/fundraisers/andrewjackson

#31DaysOfMeaning #62MilesInMay #ForDad #DogWalks #FamilyDog #GriefAndGratitude #DementiaUK #HopeInAction #LeaveANote #WalkWithPurpose #MauiiTheDog #ChestnutBlossom

Day 9 of 62 miles for 31 Days of Meaning

Up early this morning for a stunning walk from Bourne End to Cookham. The river at this time of year is absolutely amazing — still, green, alive. And today I had company: a good old friend.
The kind of walk where the miles pass easily because the chat is good.

Lately, with Dad passing, I’ve really noticed how many people have been showing up — sending cards, kind messages, and simply being there. It’s reminded me just how valuable friendship really is.

It’s a funny old world — we use words like friendly and friendship almost interchangeably, but they mean very different things.
Being friendly is a great quality, and I’ve met so many people recently who’ve shown that warmth in small but meaningful ways.
But friendship? That’s different.
That’s who shows up when the noise dies down. That’s who stays in touch years later.
That’s who walks with you — literally or otherwise — when you really need it.

I feel strong through all this. Definitely on the reflective end of grief right now — not lost in it, but moving through it, contemplating the legacy of my dad and what it means in my own life.
And this walking… it’s helping.
And so are the people who’ve reached out — friends, old and new, just letting me know they’re there. That really does mean something.

✉️ Today’s #LeaveANote was an uplifting message about friendship, left on a bench by the river at Cookham
🗣️ Lots of conversations today — both on the early walk and later while working down at the river in Hurley
🌱 No big good deed today — just trying to be a decent person, offer a smile, and stay open
📸 Photo taken from the Cookham footbridge, just downstream of the Bounty — a beautiful stretch of the Thames. The photo barely does it justice.

Still walking in memory of Dad, and raising funds for Dementia UK.
You can follow along or support here:
👉 https://fundraise.dementiauk.org/fundraisers/andrewjackson

#31DaysOfMeaning #62MilesInMay #ForDad #FriendshipMatters #FriendlyVsFriendship #GriefAndGratitude #WalkWithPurpose #DementiaUK #HopeInAction #LeaveANote #Cookham #RiverThames

Day 8 of 62 miles for 31 Days of Meaning

Right back at it today — and a very, very good walk.

As I headed out, I pulled on my hat. Anyone who knows me knows I love wearing hats. There’s something about it that just helps me feel ready. Stronger. More myself, somehow.

It got me thinking about my dad. Throughout his life, hats (or helmets) were part of who he was. In the Merchant Navy, there was the cap. In the Fire Brigade, it was the fireman’s helmet. Later on in health and safety, it was the builder’s hard hat.

And each time he put one on, he stepped into a role. That hat became a symbol — not just of the job, but of purpose, presence, and doing what needed to be done.

I remember as a kid, seeing him in uniform — especially the fire gear. It always meant something. He was still Dad… but he was something more at the same time. Someone others could rely on. Someone ready to face things head-on.

I’m not sure he ever said it out loud, but looking back, I see it now.
And maybe that’s why, when I pull on a hat before coaching or heading out into the world, I feel a shift too. A small reminder of what I stand for — and who I want to be.

✉️ Today’s #LeaveANote was left on a fencepost at the very top of the Long Walk
🗣️ A couple of gentle conversations, but truthfully — I was deep in thought for much of the day
🌱 A few good deeds, but quite personal ones today — ones that didn’t need to be shared
📸 Photo of the day: a Wiltshire Fire Brigade helmet, similar to the one Dad wore when he started out

Still walking in memory of him. Still learning from the things he never had to say.

👉 https://fundraise.dementiauk.org/fundraisers/andrewjackson

#31DaysOfMeaning #62MilesInMay #ForDad #DementiaUK #FireBrigade #MerchantNavy #TheHatYouWear #IdentityAndPurpose #HopeInAction #WalkWithPurpose #LeaveANote

Day 7 of 62 miles for 31 Days of Meaning

Very short walks today, but three new conversations — and I now know their names

#LeaveANote went on a style near the lake — peaceful spot, a quiet message left behind

Good deed: rescued a cat. (Didn’t see that one coming either!)

Photo of the day: my brilliant wife, out celebrating her birthday

Still walking for Dad. Still grateful.

If you’d like to support the walk or follow the journey, here’s the link:

https://fundraise.dementiauk.org/fundraisers/andrewjackson

Day 6 of 62 miles for 31 Days of Meaning

Two walks today

#LeaveANote went out on the second walk — a bit of a joke in it. My humour’s a little abstract, so I hope whoever finds it gets a laugh.

Getting to know more names — not just dogs now, but their owners too. Funny how just learning a name changes the whole conversation.

Today’s good deed… let’s just say it’s been done. That’s enough.

Photo today is of my son, my dad and me — three generations - taken at Cardigan Castle. One of those moments you don’t realise is special until later.

Still walking in memory of Dad, and raising money for Dementia UK.

You can support or follow the journey here:

https://fundraise.dementiauk.org/fundraisers/andrewjackson

Day 5 of 62 miles for 31 Days of Meaning

I’ve certainly been getting through the miles — and today reminded me that sometimes, it’s just about getting up and getting on with it.

I felt really tired today. Not in a dramatic way — just that kind of heaviness we all feel now and then. But I still got out there, still walked, still did the things. That get-up-and-get-on-with-it attitude was something my dad lived by.

And with today being VE Day, it’s a reminder of a whole generation who lived by that same principle. People who rolled up their sleeves and just kept going — even in the hardest of times.

My walk was shorter today, but I visited the old airfield near where I live — once used by the Air Transport Auxiliary during WWII. These days it’s more commercial, full of light aircraft, but there are still some historic planes around. A subtle reminder of the day and the kind of quiet courage it represents.

✉️ Today’s #LeaveANote went on a local bench — the one where the local lads often sit with a beer. Bit of a joke in the note today… something to make them smile when they find it.
🗣️ Spoke to a couple of people around the airfield
🌱 Good deed: Smiled at everyone I passed — one older gentleman looked at me like I must be mad, but he smiled back anyway.
📸 Photo of one of the WWII aircraft — think it might’ve been a Hurricane, but either way, it carried the weight of the day.

Still walking in memory of Dad, and raising funds for Dementia UK.
If you’d like to support the walk or follow the journey, here’s the link:
👉 https://fundraise.dementiauk.org/fundraisers/andrewjackson

#31DaysOfMeaning #62MilesInMay #VEDay #ForDad #DementiaUK #WWIIHistory #HopeInAction #WalkWithPurpose #KeepGoing #LeaveANote

Day 4 of 62 miles for 31 Days of Meaning

Today’s #LeaveANote went on a bench in a quiet park during my morning walk

Conversations came easily — walking with Maui always draws in fellow dog people

No special good deed today — just quietly doing what needs to be done, like Dad always did for us

Photo of the Dementia UK logo today — a reminder of why I’m walking

Still walking in memory of Dad, and raising funds for Dementia UK.

If you’d like to support the walk or follow the journey, here’s the link:

https://fundraise.dementiauk.org/fundraisers/andrewjackson

Day 3 of 62 miles for 31 Days of Meaning

A mix of countryside walking and a family visit into Windsor today — and with it, memories of shopping days with Mum. Dad and I hated shopping, but we got dragged along, usually kept going by regular snack stops. It’s funny how even the grumbly memories take on warmth over time.

✉️ Today’s #LeaveANote went on a bench in Windsor, disguised (unofficially) as Royal Correspondence 👑
🗣️ Chatted to three people — I think two of them were tourists (but they humoured me kindly).
🌱 Good deed: Helped an elderly lady retrieve her pound coin from her trolley — not all heroes wear capes.
📸 Photo looking across the shopping yard near the train station — full of movement, memory, and the White Company.

Still walking in memory of Dad, raising funds for Dementia UK — and using each day to build habits that bring a bit more meaning into the world.

You can support the walk or just follow along here:
👉 https://fundraise.dementiauk.org/fundraisers/andrewjackson

#31DaysOfMeaning #62MilesInMay #WalkWithPurpose #ForDad #DementiaUK #Windsor #HopeInAction #LeaveANote

Day 2 of 62 miles for 31 Days of Meaning

Today I walked up to the Cherhill White Horse and Monument — a place full of childhood memories walking with Dad, and teenage memories of messing about with friends. We’d always look up at the White Horse from the road and talk about it — this striking shape on the hill, always watching, always part of the view.

There’s something grounding about returning to a place layered with memory.
It reminds me that walking forward can also be a way of walking back — honouring the people, places, and stories that shaped us.

✉️ Today’s #LeaveANote is tucked in the cladding of the monument — I hope it finds the right soul.
🗣️ Spoke to three friendly strangers (and one very happy dog).
🌱 Good deed: It involved a spare dog poop bag and someone else’s forgotten mess — say no more...
📸 Photo looking up at the White Horse and the monument — glowing fields, big skies, and the White Horse still watching over Wiltshire.

Still walking in memory of Dad, raising money for Dementia UK.
If you’d like to support the cause or follow along, here’s the link:
👉 https://fundraise.dementiauk.org/fundraisers/andrewjackson

#31DaysOfMeaning #WalkWithPurpose #ForDad #DementiaUK #CherhillWhiteHorse #62MilesInMay #HopeInAction #LeaveANote

Day 1 of 62 miles for #31 Days Of Meaning