Tiny toddler Ivy Rose led off a 68-mile fundraiser which had the walk team wading through two miles of knee-high floods on the last day.
The youngster, with help from her mum Charlie Draper of Spencers Wood, helped launch the Reading to Southampton trek which raised more than £8,600 for Wokingham-based charity Younger People with Dementia.
It helps around 200 people in Berkshire and nearby with workshops for people in their 30s up to the age of 65.
Support worker and fundraiser, Amy Pagan of Reading, said: “Ivy Rose, just 19-months-old, did some toddling supported by her mum, our joint director, at the start of our St James Way pilgrimage route walk.
“The trek usually takes five to seven days but people on it didn’t want to miss time helping the charity.
“Dan Liggins of Elite Adventures, our guide, helped look after our blisters. We checked the damage every day and wrapped it up, hoping for the best.
“A couple of our walkers fell over in the mud. But even wading through the floods was really good fun. At the end we were tired but it was well worth it.”
The team of 11 included a YPWD trustee, support workers, a joint director, an advisor, area managers, and other helpers including the son of woman the charity supported.
The charity, based at Fishponds Road, Wokingham, runs workshops which include: canoeing, equine therapy, multi-sports and climbing.
Wokingham, Reading and West Berkshire area’s workshops at present include fitness with personal trainer Keith Vertigan, circus skills, art and board games.
“People learn new skills. They can sign up to something new and really excel in it. One lady who had never painted now has a wall at home filled with her artwork. They also maintain skills they already had. Keeping active stimulates the brain,” added Amy. Those attending form bonds with people in similar situations who understand them.
Amy said dementia in younger people was not talked about enough. It’s estimated 92 in every 100,000 people live with young onset dementia. The workshops, with trained staff, provide respite for the clients’ carers who also have meetings.
The charity need more volunteers to help at workshops. Anyone interested can email: [email protected]
Visit www.justgiving.com/campaign/ypwdpilgrimage to sponsor the trek.
