94 Miles for Dementia UK: A Birthday Challenge to Remember
What better way to celebrate a milestone birthday than by setting yourself a challenge and raising money for a fantastic cause along the way?
This year, one of our Barking Mad franchisees decided to mark her big birthday with something a little different: walking 94 miles around the beautiful county of Northumberland in support of Dementia UK.
Together with her partner Barbara, Caroline took on The Inn Way, a long-distance walking route through some of Northumberland’s most spectacular countryside. The 94-mile route was divided into six stages, ranging from 11 to 21 miles, with one stage completed each month and the final walk planned for 15th August – the day before her birthday.
Taking time out to enjoy the journey
Running a busy business can make it difficult to find time to switch off, so the challenge became about much more than reaching the finish line.
Each walk was something to look forward to in the calendar: a chance to step away from the day-to-day, enjoy the countryside and spend hours walking, talking and laughing together.
The route showcased some of the wonderful scenery Northumberland has to offer and provided a welcome reminder to take the time to appreciate the beautiful part of the country in which they live and work.
And, naturally, there were dogs involved too! Daphne, Bella and Dotty joined the walkers for much of the route, while many of our wonderful Barking Mad hosts also came along for different stages of the challenge.
A very special finish line
The final stage took place on 15th August, and there was a lovely surprise waiting at the finish line.
Many of the hosts who had supported the challenge along the way turned up to help celebrate the completion of all 94 miles and to mark the birthday celebrations a day early.
It was the perfect ending to six months of walking and a wonderful example of the friendships and sense of community that can grow through Barking Mad.
Raising more than £2,500 for Dementia UK
Most importantly, the challenge raised well over £2,500 for Dementia UK.
Dementia UK provides specialist support to families affected by dementia through its Admiral Nurses, helping people navigate the challenges that can follow a diagnosis and adapt to the changing needs of someone they love.
The charity also has a special connection to the Barking Mad Northumberland community. One of their fabulous hosts, Sue, is an Admiral Nurse for Dementia UK, making it an especially meaningful cause to support.
The aim was simple: set a personal challenge, have an adventure and, at the same time, do something that could make a difference to other people.
With 94 miles completed and more than £2,500 raised, it certainly achieved that.
Commenting on her big challenge, Caroline said, “A huge thank you goes to Barbara for being there every step of the way, to the hosts who joined the walks and celebrated at the finish line, and to everyone who followed the journey on the Barking Mad Northumberland Facebook page, sent messages of encouragement or made a donation – it’s all hugely appreciated!”
What a fantastic way to celebrate a milestone birthday – with beautiful scenery, great company, plenty of four-legged companions and a brilliant cause at the heart of it all.
