Hello, I'm Allicia, and on the 21st September, me and my mum will walk 31 miles to raise vital money for Age UK Buckinghamshire. We'll be starting in Buckingham Town Centre and finishing at the top of Coombe Hill in the Chilterns. The walk is over 73,500 steps and will take around 16 hours!

This walk is not only a personal challenge (none of us have ever walked anywhere near this amount of miles in one day), but it's also an incredible opportunity to support a cause that's really important to me. Since joining the team at Age UK Buckinghamshire last October, I've seen first-hand the amazing impact of their work in supporting older people such as:

Providing companionship and combating loneliness and isolation

Many older people in Bucks deal with loneliness, which can seriously affect their mental and physical health. Studies have shown that loneliness can be as damaging to health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. By offering regular companionship, Age UK Buckinghamshire helps reduce these problems and makes older people feel more connected and less alone.

Offering practical assistance and tackling financial challenges due to the cost-of-living crisis

Older people often struggle with financial issues, especially as living costs rise. Age UK Buckinghamshire provides crucial support like advice on managing finances, accessing benefits, and navigating the welfare system, helping older people become more financially resilient.

Helping older people stay independent in their homes for as long as possible

Many older people want to stay in their homes, where they feel safest and most comfortable. Age UK Buckinghamshire supports independence at home with services like housekeeping, gardening and footcare.

By taking on this challenge, I want to:

Raise awareness of the challenges older people face

A lot of people don't realise how tough it can be for older people dealing with loneliness and financial hardship. By highlighting these issues, we can create more empathy and support from the community.

Highlight the amazing community support we get from donors, volunteers, groups, and businesses across the county

Age UK Buckinghamshire’s work is able to continue due to the dedication and generosity of donors, volunteers and local businesses. Their contributions are vital, and we want to show off their incredible efforts.

Inspire more fundraisers and donations for this invaluable cause

The services provided by Age UK Buckinghamshire are often life-changing for the older people they support, but they need a lot of resources. Through this walk, I hope to inspire others to get involved, whether through fundraising, volunteering, or donating.

I'll update my progress here, and you can also follow us on Facebook for updates and live tracking on the day!

Your support through donations or words of encouragement mean so much, thank you!