Author: davepickering

Edinburgh reporter and photographer

Long-distance walker Karen made Champion of Alzheimer’s Research UK

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/fundraising/thepennyrollson

For further information about Alzheimer’s Research UK call 0300 111 5555 or visit www.alzheimersresearchuk.org

Visions for Change: climate crisis

Tuesday 8th October: 5.30 – 7.30pm

Edinburgh Centre for Carbon Innovation

High School Yards, Edinburgh

This past year has seen climate change hit the headlines and awareness of the issue has increased. In this event, we showcase the stories of staff, students and alumni who are on the front-lines of climate change highlighted through our #VoicesofthePlanet campaign and discuss the responses and solutions to the climate crisis.

We’ll hear from policy experts, activists and some of our international students whose home countries are suffering due to inaction on the environment.

Open to all; please get in contact with Rachel.Chisholm@ed.ac.uk with any questions.

Sporting Chance: Levelling the playing field for women and girls

A summit to increase media coverage of women in sport and encourage girls to be more active has been recommended in a report. An expert group says women and girls will be more likely to take up a sport or exercise if there is increased reporting of top athletes and events in the media. Continue reading Sporting Chance: Levelling the playing field for women and girls

Edinburgh Castle, Gaudi-style!

Edinburgh Castle is the city’s most iconic landmark, steeped in history and a prominent feature on the city’s skyline, from its position atop Castle Rock. But, what if it looked different? What if the castle wasn’t built in the 12th century by David I, but was instead created by the Spanish architect Antoni Gaudi? 

For the first time ever, TransPennine Express has asked the question, and reimagined Edinburgh Castle in the style of Gaudi, as part of a new series.

Edinburgh Castle houses some of Scotland’s most important artefacts, such as the Honours of Scotland and the Stone of Destiny. The outside is distinctive, as the fortress walls dissolve into the volcanic rock as if they were one entity. It is the culmination of the Royal Mile, and tourists flock here every day to get a sense of life for the Scottish royals in the Middle Ages.

In this reimagining, Antoni Gaudi’s influence is immediately obvious – with his Gothic free-flowing style taking over the Castle’s towers and walls, featuring colours borrowed from Park Güell. The roof of the castle becomes similar to his Casa Batlló building in Barcelona.

The full series of landmarks including Glasgow’s Duke of Edinburgh statue, Manchester’s Beetham Tower and Newcastle’s Angel of the North can be seen here: https://www.tpexpress.co.uk/explore-the-north-and-scotland/blog/2019/september/uk-landmarks-reimagined

Scottish Book Trust: Ignite Fellowship open for applications

Scottish Book Trust, the national charity transforming lives through reading and writing, has announced that applications are open for the Ignite Fellowship.

Now in its second year, the Ignite Fellowship recognises the achievements of professional writers and will offer tailored, practical and financial support to help writers find time and space to fire up their careers. Continue reading Scottish Book Trust: Ignite Fellowship open for applications