Michael describes how taking on a fundraising walking challenge in memory of loved ones has helped boost his wellbeing
“The last few years have been challenging for me and my family as we’ve lost loved ones, while I’ve had a lot of pain from sciatica. It’s been a lot to deal with and at times has been a real struggle for us.
“One thing that has helped with both my physical pain and my grief is walking and exercising. That’s when I got the idea to do a walking challenge to raise money for charity, to celebrate life and remember those we’ve lost.
“I chose Alzheimer Scotland in memory of my grandad Vincent who was diagnosed with vascular dementia in 2017 and passed away in 2023 aged 94. He was a good soul who always had a smile for you.
“We got great support from Alzheimer Scotland and grandad used to love going to their groups. You could see the benefit he got from it as well as it giving the family a bit of a break.
“After grandad, we lost his wife, my gran Mary, in 2024. In the few years before that we had lost my brother-in-law Dominik, my Auntie Sandra and my dog Sheldon. I also lost my gran and grandad on my dad’s side when I was very young, so I’ll be remembering them too.
“I’ve done a big fundraising challenge before for Alzheimer Scotland, walking in 2023 from Cardenden in Fife, where my grandad Vincent lived, to Raphoe in County Donegal, Ireland, where he was born. I found that doing the walk really helped me and it almost felt like grandad was walking with me.
“This time, I’ve decided to walk the Fife Pilgrim Way in one go, from North Queensferry to St Andrews. It’s around 55 miles and my plan is to set off at midnight on the day of what would’ve been my gran and grandad’s 75th wedding anniversary.
“I read that pilgrimages were often taken as a way of proving your faith and I thought it would be nice to take my own pilgrimage with their memories in mind. To prove my faith to living life with kindness and making memories with those we love.
“I grew up in Fife, the family all live around the area, and I met my lovely wife Anna here too. A lot of the stops on the Pilgrim Way have personal connections for me, so it’s a perfect way to honour everyone.
“We’ve had great support from Alzheimer Scotland and I hope this challenge might raise awareness of the work they do and also raise a bit of money so that other families can benefit like we have.”
Thank you to Michael for sharing his story. You can support Michael's JustGiving page here.