Whilst working in a nursing home which specialised in dementia care, Rebecca saw first-hand the effects of dementia on people’s lives and those closest to them. Finding the work to be deeply rewarding, last year Rebecca became a Dementia Adviser for Alzheimer’s Society and is now taking on Trek26 London for “all the people I have supported with dementia and their families, who do so much in caring for them through their dementia journey”. Here Rebecca talks of her motivations and how she is preparing to trek 13 miles through London this May.
Rebecca took her training international, even trekking whilst on holiday in New York
“I have done a little bit of trekking in the past, but never an organised event of any kind, so I’m really excited to be doing my first trek for a fantastic cause. I am walking for all the people with dementia, past and present, who I have had the pleasure to connect with during my career. I feel they will very much be with me as I take on this challenge”. Rebecca knew she wanted to go the extra mile for people affected by dementia, so when a colleague mentioned Trek26, she decided to take on the challenge of trekking 13 miles through London; one of seven Trek26 locations across the UK this year. With only a few weeks to go until Rebecca hits the streets of London, she is busy preparing for her challenge.
“I have really enjoyed the training and found it helpful to set myself goals and challenges to motivate myself. I am using guided circular walks across Gloucestershire to get out and train on the weekends. I have also downloaded the Couch to 5K app and have been listening to the instructions recorded on the app to motivate me to get out and exercise in the evenings too when I have less time for a long walk.”
During the trek, Rebecca will be passing some of the city’s most famous landmarks – from the London Eye to Buckingham Palace. “I’ll be taking in the sights and sounds as I trek the streets of London. I’m nervous about the distance, but I know the atmosphere on the day will get me through. I am looking forward to taking time on the day to speak with fellow trekkers and hear their stories”. Rebecca will join 1,500 people taking on Trek26 London, who are hoping to raise vital funds for Alzheimer’s Society. Already halfway to her fundraising target, she is helping provide life-changing support to people affected by dementia.
How you can get involved
Alzheimer’s Society is still looking for incredible people like Rebecca to sign up to a Trek26. This year there are seven Trek26 events taking place in stunning locations across the UK from May through to September. To sign up, visit the Trek26 webpage and join hundreds of others who are also walking to stop dementia in its tracks. Use code REGATTA22 for 20% off your registration fee. Sign up today.
Help fund Dementia Advisers
By taking on a Trek26 this year, you can help fund Alzheimer’s Society Dementia Advisers, like Rebecca, who offer information about all aspects of living with dementia and support people to access services. By committing to a fundraising target of £200 for the 13 miles or £300 for the 26 miles, you can help fund vital support. Just £537 will fund a community-based Dementia Adviser for a week, meaning they can give face to face support in their local community to people with dementia, their carers or people who are worried about their memory.
