Kingfisher Windows Duo Complete Trek for Alzheimer’s

Leeds-based fabricator and installer, Kingfisher Windows has celebrated Lisa Chadwick, its Contract Planning and Liaison Officer, and Teja Freeman, Apprentice Project Manager, on completing a gruelling 26-mile charity trek, raising £1,380 for the Alzheimer’s Society.

Lisa and Teja took on Trek26 North York Moors, a challenging marathon-length walk around the Whitby area featuring almost 1,000 metres of elevation, coastal paths and the famous 199 steps in Whitby.

They completed the course in 11 hours and 54 minutes. The circular route took in some of the region’s most spectacular scenery, including Lisa’s favourite view of the North Sea from Robin Hood’s Bay.

For Lisa, supporting the Alzheimer’s Society was deeply personal.

She said: “My grandma had Alzheimer’s and died when I was just 18 months old, so raising the money for Alzheimer’s Society was important to me.

“I keep in good shape through boxing, but to get myself fit for this challenge, I was out every weekend doing longer walks each week, so I felt I had prepared well. Plus, we had decent weather, and I just got the standard injury of a few blisters.

“But even so, at 19 miles I hit the wall. Anyone who has done endurance events like this will relate; it’s when both your mind and body don’t want to continue. It made the last six miles pretty tough, so I was relieved to cross the finish line.

“At first, I said never again, but after thinking more about it over the last day or two, I admit I am looking for another challenge already!”

Teja added: “I signed myself up two days before as a few people Lisa was meant to do it with backed out last minute.

“Although I personally have never had to go through the struggles of a family member having Alzheimer’s, I have heard a lot about it through my mum as she works with, helps support and gives guidance to families and carers of people with Alzheimer’s. This played a massive part in signing up, as I hadn’t done any training prior or ever walked a distance even remotely similar.

“I thought about how the 26 miles would be the hardest thing I have ever done and decided living with Alzheimer’s is without a doubt harder. This ultimately made my decision to try and take it on.

“I couldn’t be any prouder I completed it, despite being so glad it was over when we got to the finish line.

“Like Lisa I swore to myself I would never put myself through something like that again, but I am guilty of already seeking out a new challenge!”

The £1,380 raised will support the Alzheimer’s Society’s work helping people living with dementia and their families, while funding research into better treatments and support.

To support Alzheimer’s Society go to Lisa’s Just Giving page: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/trek26northyorkmoors202626miles-lisachadwick?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=WA

For more information on Kingfisher, visit: https://www.kingfisherwindows.co.uk/