Julie Completes Her 35th Walk
Long-time member and friend of the Centre, Julie Dean, wanted to do something different to raise money for the Centre this year. She would normally have taken part in the annual Walk the MS Mile. But as that could not take place this year Julie still wanted to do something that would get her out and about and raise money at the same time. And so she decided to complete 35 different walks in her electric chair alongside her husband David for Challenge 35.
Doing the walks not only got her out and about, but also gave Julie something to focus on during this difficult time. Being a very sociable person, lockdown had a big impact on her mental health as she could not see her friends or come to the Centre. She received extra support from our occupational therapist and our counsellor who helped her to work through her feelings. The walks also gave her something positive to focus on.
Some of their favourite walks included Grafham Water and Richmond Park, along with a very unexpected one on the way to watch Hamlet on the Beach. Amazingly the weather held up for them each time apart from once, when they decided to walk around the Imperial War Museum instead. There was just no stopping them!
The couple were joined by their daughter Shannon, as well as Julie’s PA Helen for their final walk. As this year is the Centre’s 35th birthday and it was the 35th walk, Julie thought it fitting to start at The Paddocks in Princes Risborough, where the Centre started all those years ago. The final destination was our current home in Wendover. Just after 3:30pm they crossed the line where a warm welcome and a cold bottle of fizz were waiting for them.
Together they have raised over £1,300. If you want to make a donation towards her sponsorship you can visit her JustGiving page.
Thank you to Julie, Dave and Shannon for all that you do for the Centre.
