Well I’ve gone and done it.
I’ve walked 50 miles in June for Dementia UK. It was hard at times with my arthritic knees, and my calves started to get sore.
You can still Donate on line. Please click link:
Kenneth Ingram is fundraising for Dementia UK (justgiving.com)
I completed my 50 miles by 11 June, 19 days early. Staff and residents at Gascoigne House watched me go over the finish line, and through the ribbon.
Thanks to Laura and Sam (staff) at Gascoigne House, I stopped half a mile short as they went to find a ribbon and then went through and completed my 50 miles, cheered on by staff and residents.
I did at least half of the 50 miles walking the gardens and concourse at Gascoigne House.
The circular route of the gardens is 10 laps to a mile. I think the residents, and HCA, asking me what was I doing walking all those laps. When I told them, some of them were only too happy to sponsor me.
When I was told by Laura, that it was Men’s Mental Health Week, a few days before, I decided I would go all out and complete my 50 miles during that week.
So as I said earlier I completed my 50 miles. I did go on to walk 100 miles by 30 June. A lot of this was due to walking a lot on my holiday in Blackpool. Even then I had to slow down near the end of my holiday, due to the heat.
Thanks to staff and residents at Gascoigne House, friends and Friends of Dementia Café, Monday Club. You have raised a amazing £237 in donations.
This includes money given to me and added to sponsor forms, and online.
You did not fill in just one donation form, but three. Thank you very much indeed. Cheque sent off today to Dementia UK.
The money goes to Admiral Nurses for one-to-one support to people with dementia and their families. I think it won’t be too long before I need them myself.
Up to two weeks ago I did not think I would get to 50 miles in June, never mind 100 miles by 30 June.
The miles I walked where verified by Map My Walk and Samsung’s own walk checker.
During my walk days I had a mental health meltdown (nothing to do with the walking). One reason I can’t give here for personal reasons, but other things played on my mind and as I say had a meltdown.
No sleep at all, I worry about my health, my dementia is getting worse. Not getting results about my heart ECG, that Paramedics took and showed a defect (I have now got the results). I’m also in a lot of pain.
I tried to get an appointment at my surgery, but could not get to see a Doctor.
I let Laura (staff at Gascoigne House) know of my mental health condition.
On her morning rounds to see me, sat me down and rang my surgery. Within seconds I got two appointment phone calls, with a GP and a one-to-one, two days later face to face. The doctor put me on antidepressants. The GP was worried that things were so bad, would attempt to take my own life like I did with an overdose of prescription drugs 12 yeas ago.
Thank you Laura, very much indeed for all your help. Hope you liked your flowers.
I have to wait a few months for a consultant referral, but I’m OK with that. Also thanks to Nicola and Joanne, who said we are the end of the phone if you need us. A special thanks to Nina Dales calling regular to see how I was and collected my medication.
I will continue with my Volunteer work as long as I can. This includes reporting for South Leeds Life. I will still cover events at Gascoigne House for South Leeds Life, and the News Café on the first Thursday of the month.
I help support the Memory Café at Monday Club in Rothwell, and the one I started five years ago at Middleton Elderly Aid.
I will also continue as marshal and photographer for Middleton Woods parkrun.
On a final note, the best move I ever made was to move to Gascoigne House. Where every day there is something new to get involved in. Long may it continue.
On 4 July, they have special food in Bistro, and we have a Elvis Impersonator in the afternoon. This is for USA Independence Day. I must get my Blue Suede shoes out!
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