Duncan Walker, who was diagnosed with Dementia four years ago, has decided to give something back to the community that has supported him by hosting a charity hike in Tameside.
‘Walk with Duncan for Childhood Dementia’ is aimed at raising awareness for childhood dementia. Duncan decided to organise the event after being inspired through his recent discovery that there are conditions that can lead to childhood dementia.
Duncan’s family have explained that they all have backgrounds working with children and young people, with Duncan doing activities from football coaching to personal training sessions. Now that he isn’t working, he wanted to continue giving to the young people who he’s always supported.
The hike, on the 30th August, is to follow a 6-mile route through the Trans Penine Trail, intended to act as a challenge for attendees but remain accessible, ensuring people of all abilities can take part. The family chose the specific location to offer a “nice outdoor walk for people at the end of August when the weather should be nice, and people can get something positive out of it, too”.
Organisers are asking for a £10 donation on the day, but if someone has sponsors, they don’t need to pay the £10 upon arrival. Any money raised will go towards ChildhoodDementia.org, the world’s leading childhood dementia charity.
The charity aims to support those who live with childhood dementia, a condition that can be caused by over 100 genetic conditions and has no cure, leading to 50% of children passing away before their 10th birthday.
Duncan and his family have told the Reporter that their main aim is to spread the message that “dementia doesn’t just affect older people. We just want to raise awareness and help others understand dementia, especially for the children experiencing it from a young age.”
The family are “blown away” with the support they have already received. They urge people to join them on the walk and to the after-event at The Jolly Hatters Pub where attendees can enjoy homemade pie, a raffle, and drinks.
“It’ll be a good day from the walk to the fundraising event afterwards. We hope to see as many people as we can there.”
More information can be found on the hike’s Facebook page, and the QR codes found at the bottom of posters.
Facebook page click here
Link to the fundraiser page click here
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