Caroline and Camilla's Lizard to Land's End Trek page

caroline cooke is raising money for Alzheimer's Society

Participants: Caroline Cooke and Camilla Cunningham

Story

We did it! It was incredibly tough in parts but we managed to come in first out of 99 participants, only 58 finished! Camping was very interesting. Our inflatable mattresses, earplugs and sleeping tablets saved us! I am in my flip flops and Camilla is in her slippers at work today. Our legs and feet are in pain with blisters on the soles of our feet. The weather was beautiful. But more importantly, we have so far raised over £2,000 for Camilla's mum, dad and all the people who suffer from Alzheimer's, their carers and to raise awareness of this dreadful illness. Everyone on the trip was lovely and it was touching to meet so many people who's lives have been affected by loved ones who had passed away.

Camilla and Caroline are undertaking this challenge for Camilla's mum, Victoria Barnes who was diagnosed with Vascular dementia caused by Korsakov's Syndrome brought on by alcoholism and died at 63. Victoria was life and soul of the party and died after a 10 year struggle in 2012.

We are also doing our bit for the 800,000 people living with dementia in the UK. Dementia is terminal, and there is no cure.

Victoria fought this illness bravely it was a most most horrendous experience to watch and her family felt incredibly helpless. Victoria never lost her dignity and although words failed her she never forgot to say 'please and thank you.' As she was dying one of her nurses who was relatively new told us when he introduced himself to her she said 'oh good ..someone new to play with.'

Not only does Alzheimer's Society fund research into finding a cure, but they provide emotional support for loved ones & carers of dementia sufferers, who are equally fighting a losing battle. We couldn't fix Victoria but we can help to raise money for this charity who may be able to fix people like her in the future through research towards finding a cure. Cruelly, Camilla's father Peter has also been diagnosed with the very early stages of dementia, so not only has he had to watch the love of his life die, he himself is again battling.

Victoria was the most kind, generous, wonderful & loving person. She loved a giggle and would often laugh till she cried. Her friends, family and colleagues loved her very much and as someone said we have lost a spark.

We can't imagine losing memory of your loved ones, your happiest times, your greatest experiences, your love for life and your mischief. Not only does dementia cripple a person's ability to express their emotions & personality, but it also severely damages their physical health. Their independence in carrying out every day activities such as making decisions, reading, writing, going to the toilet, talking & eating can be cruelly taken away from them; it is almost impossible to comprehend. Victorias family and friends watched her struggle for life, she eventually gave in as her body forgot how to swallow and slowly shut down.

So, Caroline and Camilla are embarking on this adventure..without hair straighteners..or mobile reception..for 50 miles in 3 days..in a tent?!?

Thank you so very much for any kind donations.

Camilla and Caroline xxxx