Raising money for the Alzheimer’s Society.

Paul Lawlor, Area Dean of Redditch and Bromsgrove, and his wife Judi, recently took on a challenge to trek 26 miles along the North Yorkshire Moors to raise money for the Alzheimer’s Society.

Paul writes:

“Thank you to all those who supported us on our Trek26 adventure for Alzheimer’s Society!

Our Trek was an interesting way to start a holiday.  The best description anyone has come up with is it was like an almighty reset.  The hot weather and injury issues for both of us has meant that our pre-walk training was curtailed.  So, it was with a sense of slight trepidation that we set out at 6.40am on the Saturday morning, albeit encouraged by the really efficient, friendly, and supportive organisation surrounding the event.

We were in slow-but-steady mode leaving Whitby Abbey and descending into the town and then climbing back out to the Cinder Trail.  The injury that Judi was carrying was not impressed by the steep climb that came just before halfway and lunch. The last mile was slow and painful, and we agreed that it was not sensible for Judi to push on for another 13 miles. 

I continued alone, save for interactions with fellow walkers.  This was a feature of the whole walk.  People sharing not just a “good morning,” but also willing to speak of why they were doing the walk. 

So, there were a various conversations on the road, including one longer one, which veered into questions about Christian faith, and another being hailed by an older gentleman on a bench in Robin Hood Bay, wanting to know what we were all doing and shoving a tenner into our hands.  We also bumped into a very chatty Londoner at a number of points, obviously taking time off from not talking to anyone, as is the way on the bus and tube in London.

So, the company was good, the weather was kind and the scenery beautiful.  Judi was looked after really well by the support team.  Plus, we did manage to walk to the pub for lunch the following day!  So, many moments to reflect upon and see that God is good! 

Nearly 400 folk walked from Whitby and I believe the total raised was ~£400,000.  Overall, the Trek26 walks across the country have raised ~£3.8 Millon.  This, plus the monies raised by the Memory walks and Glow events, is key in funding research into prevention, treatment and in providing support for those with this family of conditions and those walking alongside them.  Judi and I are so grateful to all who contributed to the £2,073 plus £395 of gift aid which we raised.

I finished walking alone but Judi and I had travelled together, and others were helpful along the way such as our girls tracking us and texting.  That is the key, isn’t it.  There are times when we have to walk alone, when a burden is ours to carry, but there are others around us, before us and behind us.  There is support from afar, words of encouragement from friend and stranger.

I’m conscious that folk run 26 miles, but each challenge is unique to each of us.  We push ourselves to explore what we can do. 

Thanks again to all who supported us!”

Visit Paul and Judi’s fundraising page