Droitwich's Debbie raises £1,500 for Alzheimer's Society with 13-mile walk in memory of her mum - The Droitwich Standard

Droitwich's Debbie raises £1,500 for Alzheimer's Society with 13-mile walk in memory of her mum

Droitwich Editorial 23rd Mar, 2021   0

A DROITWICH woman has completed a 13-mile hike in the Malvern Hills, and walked over 1million steps in training, to raise vital funds in the battle against dementia.

Debbie Folkes, 60, joined thousands of determined Alzheimer’s Society supporters, all conquering their own walking challenges, after losing her mum to dementia in December 2020.

As part of Debbie’s training and to give her focus, she has walked up to 10 miles a day since signing up to Alzheimer’s Society’s virtual Memory Walk, which is taking place throughout March, clocking up an incredible one million steps in the process.

Debbie, who four years ago was diagnosed with the autoimmune condition Polymyalgia rheumatica, which results in pain and stiffness in the muscles caused by inflammation, has already raised almost £1500, triple her original £500 fundraising goal.




She said: “My lovely mum was diagnosed with dementia last April and sadly passed away in December.

“After her diagnosis, my brother and I went into overdrive to try to keep mum safe and happy.


“She struggled with hallucinations which were hard for us to cope with.

“We had a terrifying moment in June 2020, when she wandered out of her house for the first time and was walking the streets throughout the night until a local person managed to find her the next morning.

“It has been a difficult time, but we were helped by the endless support and advice available from the Alzheimer’s Society. She deteriorated quite quickly, but our days were not all dark ones.

“Mum still had her sense of humour, and we want to remember that.

“I wanted to do something in her memory, and while I thought it was too soon when I first heard about the Memory Walk shortly after she died, I decided, why not now.

“I am already a walker, but I wanted to step out of my comfort zone, and so alongside my old friend, Jane, who is walking to support St Richards Hospice, we have decided to trek a half marathon in the Malvern Hills.

“I have previously done the Malvern Hills End to End Walk, which is just over 9 miles and extremely strenuous, so knowing how hard that was, it is going to be a difficult challenge.”

Since signing up on January 22, she has walked more than 500 miles and said her friends who joined her along the way had been incredible supportive.

People can complete their own Memory Walk – sponsored by Santander – throughout March by signing up for free and choose a location to suit them.

Her commitment comes at a critical time for those affected by dementia.

People with dementia have been worst hit by coronavirus in terms of deaths, both from the virus and knock-on effects of lockdown – thousands have seen their health deteriorate and mental health decline as a result of having little social contact and interruptions to essential care and support.

Thousands of family carers have also been in complete despair because of care home visitor bans and a lack of respite.

Kumbi Mandinyenya, Alzheimer’s Society Area Manager, said the pandemic had been devastating for families affected by dementia and those living with the disease needed the charity more than ever.

The pandemic has hit it hard financially, despite the unprecedented demand on its services.

“We want to thank Debbie and everyone taking part in a walking event for us. Money raised will help Alzheimer’s Society reach and support more people through our vital services, like the Dementia Connect support line, which has been used almost three million times in the UK since March 2020.

“We are in awe of the resilience of supporters like Debbie, whose dedication to fundraising for Alzheimer’s Society ensures that we are able to support those who need it most during this difficult period.”

If you would like to take part in a trek or Memory Walk for Alzheimer’s Society, visit alzheimers.org.uk/events to sign up today.

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