A man who is climbing all 214 of the peaks in the Lake District has urged people to support the Alzheimer’s Society.
Michael Kipping is taking on the challenge in support of his father, Graham, who is living with Alzheimer’s.
During the month of May people are being asked to wear their 'Forget Me Not' badge which aims to send a message to everyone affected by dementia that they have not been forgotten.
Michael, of Leyland, has climbed 72 peaks so far this year and wants to do something positive to help other families affected by dementia.
He has given himself a year to complete the challenge.
He said; “It typically takes a few years to complete the Wainwrights so I’ve given myself quite a challenge, but it’s nothing like the daily challenges being faced by the families of people living with dementia.
"I’ve been going out every week, depending on the weather, and have planned out all the routes and made sure I had all the kit I needed.”
Jade Trafford, Community Fundraiser for Alzheimer’s Society said: “It’s thanks to the determined efforts of fundraisers like Michael that Alzheimer’s Society can remain a vital source of support and a powerful force for change for everyone affected by dementia.
“There are 21,000 people living with dementia across Lancashire, and too many are facing it alone. We support people through some of the hardest and most frightening times.
“It costs £103 to fund the vital work of one of our Community Dementia Advisers for one day.
"By sponsoring Michael you’ll help Alzheimer’s Society to improve the lives of people affected by dementia, now and in the future.”
Michael’s father was an active retiree prior to becoming ill.
Michael said: “My dad retired in his mid-50’s after a career in engineering and was always a very active man, with lots of interests.
"He enjoyed a lifelong love of planes and, living outside Cambridge, was able to volunteer at the Imperial War Museum at Duxford. He also enjoyed playing golf.
"His decline had been quite gradual, but his condition took a turn for the worse at Christmas when he contracted an infection and had to go into hospital for a while.
“Being ill seemed to really accelerate things. I’m a very practical person and it was frustrating not to be able to do anything to help him medically, so I decided that fundraising was something positive that I could do.
"I started on Skiddaw, without quite realizing that it’s the sixth highest peak in England. After completing that one, I knew I could probably manage the others.
"I’ve had lots of people come out to walk with me, including my nephew and various friends. And since I started, so many friends and colleagues have contacted me to share their own experiences.”
To support Michael click here.
You can also find out more about some of the challenges and fundraising efforts you can take part in to support the Alzheimer’s Society at Alzheimers.org.uk/trek26
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