Hikers raise more than £1,100 to support Lancaster University's Defying Dementia campaign

Hikers Katie McTernan, James March, Charlotte March and Louise Quinn at the summit of Helvellyn, one of four peaks they were able to complete during a five hour hike for Defying Dementia.

The hikes were organised through July by outdoor event specialists and long-term supporters of Defying Dementia, Adventure Trails, who also organise the annual Race2Remember which has become a permanent fixture in the Defying Dementia calendar.

Unfortunately, due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, this year’s race had to be cancelled but the hikes proved to be a popular alternative and gave the opportunity for those taking part to experience one of the country’s most famous beauty spots whilst raising vital funds to support the groundbreaking research being undertaken into Alzheimer’s disease at Lancaster University.

The first of two guided hikes took place on a very mild morning on July 12.

Jaclyn King-Gibson and Angela Richardson took part in the Defying Dementia Helvellyn Challenge. Pictured here with guide Sean Bolland from Adventure Trails they reached the summit in five hours despite challenging weather conditions.

Cousins Louise and Katie and brother and sister James and Charlotte accompanied by guide Sean began the walk at Wythburn all emblazoned in yellow Defying Dementia t-shirts.

The weather remained fine throughout and the team were able to take in four peaks including Nethermost Pike and High Crag as well as Helvellyn in a little over five hours.

The team were even supported by fellow hikers who generously donated money at the peak of Helvellyn, which to date is the highest altitude donation we have ever received!

The second group, which consisted of friends Angela and Jaclyn took part on July 26, were not quite as lucky with the weather.

Hikers James March, Charlotte March, Louise Quinn and Katie McTernan take in a waterfall on their descent from Helvellyn.

They also decided to take on the extra challenge of Striding Edge and its accompanying breathtaking views on their way to the second tallest peak in England.

They again were able to complete the hike is just over five hours despite typical British summertime weather.

Despite challenging terrain and conditions, both groups remained unscathed from the hikes and collectively managed to raise more than £1,100 thanks to generous support from their families, friends and the local community.

In addition to this, Adventure Trails also generously donated the entry fees from all of those who took part, all of which helped to contribute to a very successful month of hiking.