70 mile charity walk for Alzheimer's UK completed successfully

John Hurst and Carol Macauley completed their 70 mile walk from York to Stockton last Thursday afternoon, in aid of the Alzheimer's Society,  and were welcomed by staff at Sustrans Hub on the High Street. 

John Hurst and Carol Macauley completed their 70 mile walk from York to Stockton last Thursday afternoon, in aid of the Alzheimer's Society, and were welcomed by staff at Sustrans Hub on the High Street. 

Stockton man Dr John Hirst's wife, Patricia, was diagnosed with Frontotemporal Dementia in 2012 and died from the form of early onset dementia five years ago on 22nd July 2017 at just 66 years of age. In memory of her John, who turned 70 in January, took on the challenge with friend Carol Macaulay from Thornaby. Before heading into the North Yorkshire countryside, the first day of the walk was spent around York where Patricia was born and grew up with the route calling at St Wilfrid's Church where she married in 1978 and Bar Convent where she went to school.

John and Carol want to thank you everyone who has donated - reaching "a total beyond our wildest stretch target"  and John said "I'm sure that Alzheimer's Research UK will put the money to good use and that one day we will have a world without the sadness of dementia that touches so many lives today".

John said "The support we received from people we met along the way has been tremendous. We had a great send off from Heslington parkrun, a young man in York city centre who clearly didn't have much searched his pockets to donate what change he had because "My Nan had dementia", an old guy originally from Middlesbrough who has living with a dementia diagnosis and local MP Rachael Maskell all added their support as day 1 took in places that had been part of Pat's childhood. 

On day 2 we headed north from the city and were sustained by the welcoming staff at Beningbrough Hall, the excellent lemon drizzle cake and cuppa also played a part. On day 3 we met a man who was caring for his partner who is living with dementia, "Some days are better than others." 

Day 4 was the toughest with a section along A170 followed by our biggest climb of the week. North Yorkshire County Council had closed the A170 for repairs so we didn't have to negotiate the traffic, unfortunately they couldn't do anything about the hills! This was the only day when rain threatened but thankfully all the heavy showers skirted by and we stayed dry being inside the pub in Osmotherley when the downpour came. 

Day 5 needs a special mention as the villagers of Swainby, Hutton Rudby & Maltby all welcomed us into their cafes with refreshment and had also fundraised some significant donations.  We were also joined on the walk by Lorna, Bill, Anne, Elaine & Jean.

On our final day we were joined by Nick & Pam from Maltby.  Our route took us to Hemlington Community Hub & Library were we were joined by the Thursday walking group for a short section as we headed towards Thornaby.  In Thornaby we were welcomed first by Thornaby Foodbank and later the LiveWell Hub.  After crossing the Tees on Victoria Bridge we made our way to The Hub where we were welcomed with tea & biscuits".

"We have had a memorable week on an enjoyable walk through some beautiful countryside.  The best memories though must be of all the fantastic people we met along the way.  To everyone who has helped in anyway our heartfelt thanks".