Jonathan Marshall from East Leake will be walking non-stop for 100 miles in June to raise money for a charity close to his heart.
Jonathan, who grew up in Costock, decided to embark on his 100-mile challenge so that he could do something special for Alzheimers Society after two of his family members were diagnosed with the condition of the same name.
Jonathan said, “My Granny was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and was being cared for by my Granddad. Her condition continued to worsen until it got to a point where he was unable to provide the care she needed. The heart-breaking decision was made for Granny to move to a care home, leaving her home and husband of over 50 years. This has meant that my Granddad has had to spend his first Christmas alone, during the Covid lockdown, unable to have visitors for company and support, and completely isolated.
“On the other side of my family, my uncle has also been diagnosed with the disease at too early an age for anyone to expect, just before becoming a granddad for the first time. This brings home the importance of the family spending this time together to create the memories whilst they can, although Covid has made this difficult.”
Jonathan chose Alzheimer’s Society as they provide support to people affected by the condition through welfare phone calls and group services.
Jonathan continued, “I will be walking the Leicestershire Round in one go, without sleep, without big breaks, start to finish in one stint, which will take me around 35-40 house and I welcome anyone to join me, but I appreciate not many people are crazy (or stupid) enough to want to do the full distance. I would love for people to join me on the walk for as far as they want. I’ll be doing it on 19th-20th June. If you want to join me then please get in touch ([email protected]). The more support I have, the more money we can raise for Alzheimer’s Society, and the more encouragement I’ll have to spur me on.”
Jonathan hopes to raise £2,000 for the charity. He said, “I’m putting myself through this, which is a fraction of what my family is going through, to raise awareness, and help a charity which does so much good for people affected by the disease.”
If you would like to donate to Jonathan’s 100-mile Challenge, please visit: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/100milenonstopwalk
For information on Alzheimer’s Society, visit: www.alzheimers.org.uk
