What are we doing:

The team intend to take on a virtual challenge of walking the
length of the Amazon River of the course of 30 days. That is over 4000 miles of
walking and lots of steps to achieve.

When are we doing it:

To take on this almighty task we have given ourselves the month of
June to complete it. We will start the challenge on 1^st June 2020
and aim to have completed all of our miles [if not more!] by 30^th
June.

Why are we doing it:

Each year we try and take on a challenge and complete our annual
sponsored walk to raise vital funds for great causes. This year our annual walk
has been postponed as a result of the national health crisis. Why we may still
get to do this later in the year this seemed like as good a time as any to set
ourselves a challenge.

We are all adapting to a different way of life at the present
time, whether that is not seeing loved ones, shielding at home, working from
home or being a key worker, to name a few. It is essential to keep focused and
to also keep looking at what we can do to support others and to support each
other to get through this.

We see both in our professional lives and also for many of us, in
our personal lives, the direct impact that dementia and Alzheimer’s can have on
a loved one and their families. This is highlighted even more so during the
current health crisis, and well, we want to do our part.

With 1 in 3 people in the UK this year likely to develop dementia
or Alzheimer’s disease, you will be hard pushed to find someone who hasn’t been
impacted by this. Now imagine, being that 1 in 3 or their primary carer and
dealing with the current health pandemic. Either not being able to see a loved
one because they are in a social care setting, being isolated at home due to
shielding or needing to remind a loved one who cannot remember each day why
they are not allowed to go outside or meet up with family members. This is the
reason we are setting ourselves this challenge.

Who are we doing it for:

This year we have decided to take on our challenge in support of Alzheimer’s
Society UK. At all times, they offer a vital service to both sufferers of
dementia and Alzheimer’s but also to their carers, loved ones and family.

As with all charities the Alzheimer’s Society are struggling in
this current climate to fundraise and raise the vital funds, they depend upon
to offer their service and support. This is even more so important during the
current health pandemic.

Living with dementia at any time
brings everyday challenges for the person and those around them. Corona virus is
making daily life much harder.

People living with dementia are
disproportionately affected by corona virus. Many are over 65, at greater risk
of isolation and loneliness, and reliant on the social care system for support.

Alzheimer’s Society UK are actively
supporting and lobbying for additional support for the most vulnerable during
this time, seeking additional resources for patients in social care settings,
supporting the NHS and also supporting people living with dementia within the
community. They cannot do this alone and need support and much needed funds.

Who will be doing it:

Over 30 of our team will be taking on this epic challenge, which
will need to see us walk 4 miles per day to reach our aim of completing over
4000 miles in 30 days. Whilst one man did this alone creating his own Guinness
World Record, we are coming together as a Team to achieve something whatever
our ability levels or whether we do this with our children or dogs in tow… the
Cygnet Team are taking on this challenge together!