Alzheimer's Research UK

Surrey woman to walk 100 miles for dementia research

31/08/2011

A Surrey woman, whose husband has early onset Alzheimer’s disease, will be putting on her hiking boots for a 100-mile walk to raise money for Alzheimer’s Research UK, the UK’s leading dementia research charity.
 
Carol Franklin-Adams, of Ewhurst, near Cranleigh, is preparing to take on the challenge of walking the South Downs Way next month. Carol is due to set off on the 100-mile trail from Winchester to Eastbourne on September 13, and expects to complete the walk over eight days. The challenge will take her through green pastures, ancient woodlands and river valleys, and she will be joined by various friends and family members at different points along the way.
 
Carol, 67, was inspired to take on the challenge by her husband Patrick, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease seven years ago at the age of 59. The pair were made Champions of Alzheimer’s Research UK last year, in recognition of their fundraising efforts for the charity. Carol has already raised over £4,000 in donations but hopes to boost the total even further before she sets off.
 
She said:
“I’ve been training with some long walks around Ewhurst, but I’ve never done anything like this before so I’m expecting it to be quite a challenge. The walk goes through some beautiful countryside so there’ll be plenty of motivation to keep going – and of course I want to raise as much money as possible for research.
 
“When Patrick was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, we were shocked to learn that funding for dementia research lags far behind that of other serious diseases. I want to do everything I can to help Alzheimer’s Research UK in its efforts to find new treatments for dementia.”
 
Miranda Mays, Community Fundraising Manager at Alzheimer’s Research UK, said:
“We’re thrilled that Carol is taking on this challenge and wish her every success for her walk – we’ll be backing her all the way.
 
“Over 13,000 people in Surrey are currently affected by dementia, and it’s vital that we invest in research into preventions, treatments and a cure for dementia. Every penny we spend on research comes from people like Carol, and we can’t thank her enough for her continued support.”
 
Anyone wishing to sponsor Carol can make a donation online at http://www.justgiving.com/carolfa

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