Walk for one hour raises £5,000
During lockdown, one of our members decided to set himself a very tough challenge to help keep him active and also raise money for the Centre. Patrick Burke, from Berkhamsted, decided to walk for one hour using his rollator. Multiple sclerosis affects messages from the brain going to his legs, meaning Patrick has chronic muscle fatigue and poor balance which make walking extremely difficult.
Patrick with his walker
Despite this, he completed training most days and managed to walk for the full hour. Although he was incredibly tired afterwards, he said:
I am thrilled that I have proved to myself that I can walk for an hour. Way back in June when I started practising I could only manage 15 minutes so this really has been a big personal achievement and it is something I will remember for a long time. Equally pleasing is the amount I raised for the Chilterns MS Centre, over £5000, this far exceeded my expectations. I would also like to thank Amy, Sharon and Lou from the Centre who helped me on the day. I did ache the next morning but everything was for a very worthwhile cause.
The money he raised will help fund some of the many therapies and support that the Centre provides. We want to thank Patrick and everyone who sponsored him for raising such a great amount to help people with multiple sclerosis.
We appreciate everyone who takes on a fundraising activity in support of the Chilterns MS Centre, but its extra special when someone like Patrick takes on a physical challenge. He took on his almighty challenge of walking for one hour, something he has never been able to achieve until today. To see him power through, with grit and determination, was incredibly inspiring. He has raised over £5,000 for his walk; this will help us to continue providing expert therapies and support for people like Patrick, whether through physiotherapy to ensure he keeps mobile for as long as possible, or occupational therapy to help him adapt how he does things to remain independent. We’re very grateful to Patrick, his family and friends for their generosity at this challenging time. It was a privilege to be there with you.
Sharon Cooper, Head of Fundraising.
Patrick’s challenge forms part of the Centre’s latest fundraising campaign – Challenge 35. They are challenging people to do something to raise money for the Centre in the month of their 35th birthday. Challenges could be anything you want but ideally centred around the number 35. You can find out more at the Challenge 35 website.
Brilliant work Patrick – now enjoy a few days of well-earned rest!
If you would like to sponsor Patrick you still can by going to his JustGiving page.
Image credit: Steve Cook, Swale Photography 2020