Hallie Matthews

Week one

Monday 8th Sep 17 miles completed this week, more to do but enjoying the challenge. Share

Day 1

Monday 1st Sep Only a short walk today to start the challenge as one of my walking buddies Henry 🦮is a bit under the weather. We managed a few steps between the showers this afternoon 😊 Share

Ready to go!

Wednesday 27th Aug T-shirt has arrived, I’m ready to get started 😊 Share

My happy Place

Monday 25th Aug This is where you’ll find me walking with my hubby and our two dogs during September for the challenge. It’s beautiful and peaceful and a great place to reset. Share

Thank you 💜

Sunday 24th Aug Oh my word!!! Thank you so much to all of you that have donated so far to my challenge. YOU ARE THE BEST! As a thank you I have put a little package together to give away to one of you that have donated. All the names will be entered and one will be randomly drawn out on 1st October once the challenge is finished. The gift package contains a signed copy of The Divinexus, a wonderful mug, an angel wings broach, some yummy biscuits and lastly some comforting drinks for your new mug! Share

Target

Thursday 21st Aug Today i surpassed the original target of £200, so I’ve moved it up a bit. I want to raise as much as possible for Dementia UK, I know my family will need their advice as we progress through this with Dad.  Share

My Dad

Thursday 21st Aug This is my dad and he is why I’m taking part in this challenge. He was diagnosed a couple of weeks ago. Share

Why I’m doing the 30 miles in September

Wednesday 20th Aug

A couple of weeks ago my dad Richard was diagnosed with dementia. As a family I think we were expecting it but hoped upon hope that it wouldn’t be what we suspected. Now we will navigate through whatever this awful disease throws at us, always keeping Dad’s wishes at the forefront.

For now, myself, my sister and our own children can only support what Mum and Dad want and be guided by them. However, if you know me, you will know that I need to do something practical, so walking and raising money makes sense to me.

A bit a about my dad, well he is an ex-RAF serviceman, he was posted to places in the UK but also further afield - Aden and Malta (he has always liked the sun). We left the UK when I was still very young, and my sister was born in Malta. He finished his service at RAF Lyneham and Dad the Geordie settled in Wiltshire.

Life was tough when he left the RAF, both him and Mum worked hard so that my sister and I did not go without, and we had a lovely childhood. My best memories were going out with him in the lorries as a young girl, I felt both grown up and small sat in the huge cab of the vehicles he drove. I wanted to be just like him when I grew up (unfortunately I hate driving!).

That’s a bit about what he has done, but it does not tell you about the man. Dad is a loving husband, father, and grandfather. We have all felt that love, we have also felt the sharp wit that he has. He is a gentle soul, and we have all received support when needed and big hugs that always make things just a little bit better. I had a few of those last weekend when we went to see him.

I don’t know what to expect in the future, but I hope that he always knows how proud we are of him and how much we all love him.

 

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