Walking 31 Miles in May for Dementia UK. Richmond Park and Isabella Plantation

I have decided to take part in the Walk 32 Miles in May for Dementia UK challenge this month, in celebration of my dearly departed parents.

My dedicated and loving Mum was a carer for Dad for the last decade of his life when his health deteriorated from cancer and then in his last years he was diagnosed with Dementia. It was a journey which our whole family embarked on, trying to make Dad’s last years nice and support Mum in the process.

Dementia took so much from my Dad and in doing so, from all of us too. We had to adapt to a new normal and learn how to keep him comfortable and happy as the illness took hold. While doing this fundraiser I plan to use my time walking to think about the strength my parents put out into the world so my brother and I and both our families could have the lives we have. Dementia robs people of their mental strength. I hope that by fundraising, it will provide much needed funds to support families going through similar situations now.

So here we go, folks.

I started my 31 Miles in May challenge on Saturday 4th May to celebrate Mum and Dad’s wedding anniversary and begin my walking journey, raising awareness and fundraising for Dementia UK.

Walking in Richmond Park and Isabella Plantation with my beautiful boys seemed like a good place to begin. We walked for 3.75 miles, stopping regularly to jump in puddles, locate dens and pick up numerous sticks, stones and pebbles.

When we got home I took a brief stroll to the Downs to watch the sunset amid the dandelions. It was beautiful.

Here’s a little video of our day to a soundtrack of Scott Joplin’s “The Entertainer” - one of Dad’s favourites.

Cheers Mum and Dad. I feel like you’re walking alongside me in every step and that is a comforting feeling.

🥾 🥾 ❤️ 🥾 🥾 ❤️ 🥾 🥾