A Lancashire man’s peak performance has raised more than £11k for a UK dementia charity.
Michael Kipping from Leyland came up with idea to complete the Wainwrights as a fundraiser for Alzheimer’s Society last Spring after his father, Graham, had a difficult Christmas as a result of his worsening dementia.
And as part of this challenge, he climbed all 214 of the Lake District Peaks recognised as Wainwrights.
Speaking about his dad, 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 last 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.”
Since then, Michael, sometimes accompanied by friends and family members, but often on his own, has methodically ‘bagged’ a mountain or two every weekend and has devoted annual leave from his busy job to the intense physical challenge too.
Michael was joined for his final peak by 40 supporters including his wife, sister, and daughter, along with other family and friends.
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He said: “It was tough to start with but definitely got easier as I got into the rhythm of it.
“I’m still feeling very overwhelmed by the support and generosity of people and hope the monies raised help Alzheimer’s Society in their fight against dementia.
“One in three people are likely to experience dementia and it’s a widespread and very cruel illness that we need to fight with everything we’ve got.”
Community fundraiser for Alzheimer’s Society, Jade Trafford said: “Michael’s determination to complete this huge challenge in such a short period of time is inspirational.
“I’m sure his family are incredibly proud and everyone at Alzheimer’s Society feels really honoured to be the recipient charity for the money he has raised.
“It’s been wonderful in recent months to see some of our research investment finally bearing fruit in the form of some very promising drug therapies which are providing some light and hope at the end of what has been a very dark tunnel for many years.
“In the meantime, we will continue to provide support and advice for families across the country whose lives have been turned upside down by dementia as well as making sure their voices are heard.”
Michael’s JustGiving page will remain open until Christmas in case anyone would still like to donate - www.justgiving.com/page/lakeschallenge-alzheimers
If you are affected by dementia, call Alzheimer’s Society’s support line: 0333 150 3456 for help and advice or visit alzheimers.org.uk.
If you have a story or something you would like to highlight in the community, please email me at chloe.wilson@newsquest.co.uk or DM me on X @chloewjourno.
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