Trek 26 Human Touch Group

A group of local care workers and managers took part in a 13 mile walk recently to raise money for the Alzheimer Society.

Marta Broyd, Managing Director of local care homes, Hill House in Torbay and Three Corners in Brixham, joined the walk herself. She said, “Our staff  came forward largely because they know as much as anyone how life changing the condition can be, and how research into pre-diagnosis and testing needs to be supported.”

Marta joined Michelle O’Sullivan, Manager at Three Corners, Carol Ashmore, Manager at Hill House, Charley Hambly, Assistant Practitioner at Three Corners, Lisa Clark, Carer and Head Housekeeper at Three Corners and Natalia Olesky, Assistant Practitioner at Hill House in completing the 13 mile trek. 

Many of those who took part were loved ones and friends of those living with dementia. The trek took them through the English Riviera on a path which allowed stunning views along cliff tops and past beautiful local beaches. Their fundraising will help ensure that people facing a dementia diagnosis won't be alone and will help pay for vital services and research.

Marta Broyd said, “The money we raised, over £3,000, will go towards supporting the Alzheimer society in their efforts to fund blood biomarkers research. That would enable a simple blood test to determine the type of dementia anyone could develop. It would help early treatment, delay the process and give people a chance to outlive the symptoms. We may never be able to cure it, but a diagnosis like this allows varied options on treatment, which is crucial, particularly in its early stages. I am ever so grateful to the team who gave up their Saturday to support this goal. They are superstars. We all struggled at times, but we helped each other get through. I could not be prouder of them all!'

The care homes team said they all found the experience most worthwhile, though a few found that suddenly walking 13 miles with little or no preparation quite challenging. Charles Hambly said, “it was tough, but I really enjoyed it.” Natalia Oleksy said, "It was so lovely to see so many people taking part and support each other." Manager, Carol Ashmore, told us “The atmosphere was incredible. It was so well organised and such a happy thing to be doing!"

When Manager, Michelle O'Sullivan, finished the walk she claimed, “I am never doing that again!" Shortly after she registered for next year’s event! Marta Broyd concluded, “That tells you a lot about the fortitude of this team of volunteers. They really do know what a difference fundraising like this can make to people’s lives.”