I'm walking 50 Miles in January for Dementia UK
This January, I'm attempting to walk 50 miles and raising funds to help ensure no family faces dementia alone. I’m doing this for a number of reasons… my dear Dad is now a couple of years into his mixed dementia diagnosis, a man who was always very active and who ran regularly as a younger man - carting us to various orienteering meetings in our formative years - and who then was often found with either a golf club or a camera in hand in his later working and early retirement years. 2 years post-diagnosis he’s now unable to walk unaided and with a rapid decline in his condition last year I found myself unable to support his needs any longer.
It would be nice to raise a little bit of money as I go, but it’s not just about that as I also want to raise awareness that dementia is not just forgetting things or people, it’s so much more than that. It affects how people, think, behave and feel. Ultimately the impact on Dad’s mobility has been the most striking for me. Walking seems to be a fitting tribute to a man who was once so active.
After a difficult festive period I’ve found solace in getting out in the fresh air and putting one foot in front of the other. I want to try and continue this throughout the month of January, in the hope that it continues to protect my own mind too. 50 miles may not seem like much, but with a return to the working week after a festive break it’s going to take a bit of doing.
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!
My Achievements
Shared Page
Updated Profile Pic
Added a Blog Post
You've Self Donated!
Received 5 Donations
Reached Fundraising Goal
Increased Target
My Updates
Catching up
Thursday 29th Jan It’s been a while since I last updated, with 2 days left of the month & of the challenge I thought I’d catch up a bit.
Day 11 Update so far…
Sunday 11th JanCarry on walking…🚶🏻♀️🚶🏻♀️
11 days into the 31 of January and I’m closing in on 33 miles out of the 50… I think I may need to up my target at this rate!
A huge thank you to those who have supported with your generous donations, I attempted to send messages of thanks via the fundraising site but I think it’s only sent an email subject rather than an actual email 🤦🏻♀️
My walks this week have seen me head to a very frosty New Forest, to Poulner Common and Poulner Lakes, to Blashford Lakes Nature Reserve and Blandford. It’s been easier getting out on some days, but I’ve made it out everyday come rain or shine.
I visited my Dad this afternoon and told him about the walking challenge, he remarked that he didn’t get out much these days, but was looking forward to brighter and warmer weather when he may venture to the garden at the care home. Until then, I’ll carry on walking for him.
Days 5-9
Saturday 10th Jan Back to work on Monday meant reduced time available for walking! I made it out for lunchtime frosty walks on Monday and Tuesday, bit didn’t on Wednesday and Thursday due to calls & being in the office, so I stomped around the neighbourhood on Wednesday evening whilst Lucy was at rugby training. Thursday also brought us storm Goretti , which meant I only managed half a mile outside, topped up with my first treadmill miles in the gym! Back out for a lunchtime walk on Friday, meaning I’ve managed to get out for a walk everyday so far - hoping that continues throughout the rest of the month 🚶🏻♀️🚶🏻♀️ Share
Days 3 & 4
Monday 5th Jan Day 3’s walk took Lucy and me into town, a trip we’d usually do by car but chose to walk & take in the scenery instead!
Days 1 & 2
Friday 2nd Jan I’ve signed up to this challenge to raise vital funds for families living with dementia, like my dear old Dad is.Thank you to my Sponsors
£50
Anonymous
£50
Patrick Hurst
£50
Ian Brown
Donated on behalf of Fordingbridge RFC. Sending love and best wishes from all at the Club to Geoff and you Clare. Top photographers. 🩵❤️
£50
Eleanor Shepherd
Final day of the month and you have taken this challenge in your stride as ever. Very proud of you. Such a great cause. Well done!! Xx
£50
Ian & Sue Brown
Clare go well and sending love
£33
John & Julia Mouland
To Dear Clare. Enjoy the walking. Lots of love John & Julia xx
£33
Katy, James & Leo
A very worthy cause Clare, proud of you!
£33
Sarah Key
Amazing cause and know you will smash it xx
£23
Anonymous
£20
Sarah Turner
Well done Clare! Hope the weather’s kind to you
£20
Jerry Hawkins
Good luck Clare! You’ll smash it!
£20
Cheryl Jenkins
You will smash the challenge I am sure xx And such an excellent cause too xx
£20
Gez Mcleod
Well done Clare - lovely photos of all your walks too xx
£20
Fiona C
Well done Clare, always happy to walk with you x
£20
Benny Boy
Well done clare you are doing a great job. Fancy doing the 100k jurassic coast next 👌 X
£20
Anonymous
You got this Clare!
£20
The Moorey’s
What a fabulous idea and very worthwhile cause, good luck lovie x
£20
Clare Walsh
£20
Carolyn Hardy
£20
Sarah Buck
£20
Martin Walsh
Well done Clare
£20
Sheila Schulkins
£20
Lucy Brennan
£20
Lizzie Mcdowall
Well done Clare! Great effort and great cause!
£20
Niamh Jacobs
£20
Sampson Family
Go Clare! What a fab thing to be doing love the Sampsons
£20
Deborah Norman
A cause close to my heart. ❤️
£19
Jacqueline Wright
£15
Anonymous
Thus is such a good cause . My husbands sister in law sadly was diagnosed with dementia at 50 . And after a nasty fall she sadly deteriated and was taken from us too soon.
£10
Anonymous
You're amazing. Keep it up. A great cause.
£10
Sam Taylor
£10
Holly St John
All the best Clare xx
£10
Gemma Chatfield
Good luck Clare! A great cause x
£10
Micky Timms
Well done. Best Micky&David x
£10
Donkey & Kel
Good luck x
£10
Keith
£10
Ange Goater
£5
