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Katherine Jackson

Walk 30 Miles in September

Help me reach my goal of £250

My Activity Tracking

87
mi

I'm walking 30 miles for my dad

18-months ago, my dad was diagnosed with Alzheimer's (dementia) following declining abilities after suffering a stroke.

Overnight, our lives were changed for ever and suddenly it felt like we had been hit by massive whirlwind. 

Everyday, we lose a little bit more of the strong, confident, independent, sociable man I call dad, Rodders to his friends. 

Dad spent most of his life teaching wood tech, playing rugby for Winscombe first team and then acting as taxi for his 3 daughters.

There is nothing I can do to stop this for dad and so many other people, but I can do my bit by raising money and awareness.

So, I’m joining thousands of other people and walking 30 Miles in September to raise much needed funds for families affected by dementia. 

I would be really grateful for any support you could give, no matter how small. I know cost of living is awful right now, but could you sacrifice a coffee or a takeaway and donate the money instead??

An £8 donation could cover the telephone costs of two families seeking support through Dementia UK's free Helpline. 

£33 could fund an hour with a dementia specialist Admiral Nurse, helping a family with practical solutions and emotional support.

In recognition of my dad's passion "let's all ruck in and scrum together to kick dementia into touch" 🏉😍

Please Help Me
Reach My Goal

Raised

£282 + £61.25 GiftAid

My Goal

£250

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My Updates

Day 3

Wednesday 3rd Sep
Today took a bit more motivation to get going, but after finishing work and in the rain I completed my mile - the dog was not impressed with getting wet!!
My girls did not understand why I chose to go out in the rain, even ringing me half way round to tell me it was raining and that I should come home.

My response to them was easy... Yes I could have chosen to stay home in the warm and dry, or come straight back when the first rain drop landed, but ......people with Dementia don't get a choice. They don't choose to get this disease. They don't choose to slowly lose their independence, communication or way of life. They don't choose to lose the very core of who they are, having their lives shortened and taken away from them. So why should I chose the easy road and stay in the warm?! My "suffering" will only last a few minutes and will be resolved with a towel and dry clothes.

By the end of 2025, nearly 100,000 people will have been diagnosed with Dementia. I appreciate its no where near the numbers diagnosed or living with cancer, but dementia has no cure, limited treatments and no diagnosis until it's too late. Their suffering lasts years and is always terminal.

All the money raised during this challenge will go towards, not only paying for support nurses, but also towards research and clinical trials to help find better treatments, early diagnosis methods and hopefully a cure or even better yet, preventative measures.

Day 1 complete

Monday 1st Sep
A nice brisk walk with the dog at 7am saw me complete my first 2 miles. 
The sun was rising, the birds were chirping and I passed several other people walking their dogs. 

Walking through the countryside made me realise how lucky I am to be able to get up, get dressed and get out with no problems. People with dementia can lose their independence early on in the disease needing more and more help just to do the little daily tasks that we take for granted. 

This disease breaks my heart which is why I'm doing this challenge.

Thank you to my Sponsors

£100

Winscombe Rugby Club

In honour of dads journey, Winscombe Rugby club held a fundraiser raising over £500 in total. We have shared the money between Alzheimer's Society and Dementia UK. This is part of the money raised, with other donations being made personally. We cannot thank them enough for their support and encouragement during this awful journey we're navigating.

£50

Rod & Sally

Well done my love, keep going. Love Dad & Sally

£50

Mike Vowles

£25

Tonye Wokoma

£20

Liz Mounsdon

Well done sis keep it up Love always Liz and Luke xx

£12

John Popham

£10

Kate Giddings

Well done Kath! Great charity ❤️

£10

David Howell

£5

Katie Gibbs

Lovely idea Katherine XX love Katie & Paul

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