Hello Everyone!
So as many of you know, last weekend I participated in the annual 'Memory Walk' for the Alzheimer's Society in Oxford, as my 'good deed' for September. The fundraising event was a 10k walk around Oxford University Parks with a group of people, who just like you, wanted to support and raise awareness for Alzheimer's disease. Instead of describing how green the trees were, and how blue the lake was, I thought it would be much more interesting to share with you all some of my pictures of the day!
We started the day with a little 'warm up' walk to the University Parks, upon which we got very excited, and slightly hyper...not the best state to be in minutes before a 10k walk!
I took 'Stitch' with us in my rucksack as a lucky mascot for the challenge ahead. From participating in a charity run earlier this year, I knew that little things like a lucky mascot in someone's bag, or an 'I'm running for..' poster on someone's back could keep your spirits up, and make you continue with the challenge. Besides, it's nice to carry something with you that reminds you that although the day is for a heartbreaking cause, you are walking for positivity, strength, and to make a difference.
When we arrived at the event, we approached the centre of the 'base', where there was a white tree, with white tags and pens. On this tree, people participating in the event could hang tags with dedications, memories, and sayings inspired by people close to them who are suffering, or have suffered from the disease. Although it was sad reading some of the things written on the tags hung on the tree, and realising just how many individuals were affected by Alzheimer's disease, it also gave so many people support and comfort knowing they were not alone, and determination for the challenge ahead.
The blue ribbon was cut, and we started the 10k walk with high spirits (thanks to Stitch!) and a feeling of determination and purpose after hearing some stories from people on the main stage who spoke about their experiences of Alzheimer's disease, and how the Alzheimer's Society had helped them.
The picture on the right here was taken seconds after she tripped over a rock...10 steps into the walk!
Half way through the walk, and we were definitely appreciating Stitch's ability to keep spirits high. We took comedic pictures, ate bananas, and gave piggy-backs in order to spur ourselves on, all of which were fuelled by our continual ability to make each other laugh instantly no matter the situation!
Overall, the day was definitely one I will never forget. It was so comforting to see so many people who had experienced or were experiencing the same as you, all coming together in order to embrace their situation, and using it to make a difference to others affected by Alzheimer's disease. Lastly, I would just like to thank everyone who donated money, in order to sponsor our participation in the Alzheimer's Society annual 'Memory Walk.' Throughout the event, you saw, experienced, or heard about so many ways in which the money raised would help those with Alzheimer's Disease, and anyone who contributes anything to this worthy cause should feel responsible for the amazing work the Alzheimer's Society is able to do because of your contributions.
I hope you enjoyed seeing how my 'good deed' for September went, and all of my memories of the day!
See you in early October to find out what my 'good deed' for the month will be.
Be good!
Kizzy
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