Karen Penny, who is currently in the middle of a 20,000 mile walk around the coast of the UK and Ireland has been made a Champion of Alzheimer’s Research UK in recognition of her incredible fundraising and tireless dedication raising awareness of dementia.
This accolade recognises the 54-year-old’s exceptional commitment, in an undertaking that will see her walk continuously around the coast for an estimated three years, a feat never before undertaken by a woman.
Since setting off from her home in The Gower, South Wales, on 14 January, Karen has already walked the entire coast of the island of Ireland and the whole of the Welsh coastal path, and is now in Scotland, where she plans to walk around “at least” 20 islands, as well as the mainland coast. She has already raised more than £40,000 for the charity.
She was inspired to support the UK’s leading dementia research charity, after both of her in-laws were affected by different forms of dementia. As well as raising money, Karen is getting impressive media coverage and raising awareness of dementia wherever she goes.
Karen said: “I am delighted to have been named as an Alzheimer’s Research UK Champion in recognition of my support for the charity.
“Dementia has had a profound impact upon my family. During the last 10 years we have lost two very dear family members to vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, so I am passionate about the need for life-changing research.
“Everywhere I go on my walk around the UK and Ireland, I speak with people whose own families have been affected by these diseases. Their stories, and the determination to raise funds for research, are keeping me going on my journey.”
Karen joins a prestigious group of around 50 people who have been made Champions in recent years in recognition of their efforts in both fundraising and raising awareness on behalf of Alzheimer’s Research UK.
Hilary Evans, Chief Executive of Alzheimer’s Research UK, said: “Karen has taken on an impressive challenge, both in terms of the distance that she is covering and the staggering amount of money that she is raising. She is also raising awareness about dementia, the importance of research and of the work we do at Alzheimer’s Research UK wherever she goes.
“We appreciate all she is doing for us and therefore we would like to thank her by inviting her to become one of our Champions.
“There are 850,000 people in the UK living with dementia. Research has the power to make breakthroughs possible and Alzheimer’s Research UK is at the forefront of these efforts. We rely on public donations to fund our crucial research and it’s thanks to the commitment of people like Karen that we are able to increase the profile of dementia research and continue our vital work.”
To sponsor Karen, go to https://www.justgiving.com/
For further information about Alzheimer’s Research UK call 0300 111 5555 or visit www.alzheimersresearchuk.org
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