Actor and writer Hayley Morris completed an epic trek to support Alzheimer’s Society’s crucial work – and you can do the same as Trek26 is coming to both the Brecon Beacons and Snowdonia.
Brecon Beacons Trek26, taking place on Saturday, June 22, will take in wild moorland, tumbling waterfalls and sweeping mountain slopes. Meanwhile taking part in Trek26 in Snowdonia on Saturday, June 29 will mean experiencing the natural beauty of Snowdonia National Park and its magnificent peaks, spectacular valleys, serene lakes and idyllic trails.
With one in three people born in the UK today going on to develop dementia in their lifetime, Hayley strapped on her walking boots to walk 26 miles, to show support for the 982,00 people living with dementia in the UK and the many millions more carers, partners, families, and friends affected.
The writer joined more than a thousand supporters taking part in the Alzheimer’s Society’s popular event in London. Trek26 is a series of 13 and 26-mile treks in breath-taking locations across the UK.
Hayley, who has 8 million followers on social media, walked in memory of her dad who she lost to Frontotemporal dementia three years ago, as well as her grandad who died of Alzheimer’s disease in 2011.
She said: “Watching someone lose themselves to dementia is one of the hardest things to witness – you feel helpless and cut off from the person you love so much. Taking part in Trek26 was so important to me because it finally made me feel like I could make a difference to someone who has dementia or a family that is experiencing what I did.
“It’s challenging, but so reflective. Every step I took was a step for my dad – it was an incredibly emotional journey. I cannot recommend taking part in Trek26 enough – you are surrounded by so many strong, resilient and brilliant human beings who despite understanding grief very well push through with a smile on their face.”
Emily Lyle, Fundraising Manager at Alzheimer’s Society, added: “We are incredibly grateful to Hayley and all the trekkers who sign up for the Trek26 challenge. Every participant raises money and crucial awareness of dementia, so we can work towards a world where dementia no longer devastates lives.
“Every penny raised from events like Trek26 will help us continue to be a vital source of support and a powerful force for change for everyone affected by dementia.”
Money raised from Alzheimer’s Society’s Trek26 events will go towards the charity’s vital services, which have been used more than 4.5 million times in the last year. Funds will also go towards providing hope for the future by campaigning to make dementia the priority it should be and funding groundbreaking research. Trek26 events are taking place on the following dates:
- Brecon Beacons, Saturday, June 22
- Snowdonia, Saturday, June 29
- Cotswolds, Saturday, July 6
- Suffolk Coast, Saturday, August 3
- Peak District, Saturday, August 10
To support Alzheimer’s Society, take part in one of the charity’s Trek26 events. Visit: alzheimers.org.uk/charity-walks
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