Devon Carers Tackle Epic 26-mile Hike for Dementia

A trio of carers from Bluebird Care New Devon took on a gruelling hike to raise money for Alzheimer’s Society, raising over £1,000 for the important cause.

Frankie Rowe (Head of Care), Megan Chilton (Deputy Manager) and Danielle McGahey (Senior Carer) completed Alzheimer’s Society’s ‘Trek26’ challenge to walk 26 miles across the South Devon Coast in one day.

The team from the local home care company decided to take on the challenge as they know first-hand how important it is that people get the right support for them, having cared for people in the community for over 20 years between them, as well as caring for members of their own family.

The three carers set off on 9th September covered in suncream and donning sunhats as temperatures hit record-beating heights on what was one of the UK’s hottest days of the year.

The trek spanned South Devon’s incredible coastal path, starting at Brixham and taking in the views across Brixham, the Harbour, the River Dart Estuary and Dartmouth before ending back at Steam Fields, Brixham.

After a solid 10 hours of walking, the three carers from the ‘Outstanding’ rated home care provider held hands and helped each other over the final hurdle as they crossed the finish line together.

Frankie Rowe, Registered Head of Care at Bluebird Care New Devon said: “As carers we see day in, day out, how important it is that people with dementia receive the care and support that is right for them in our local community.

We want to raise awareness of what it is like to live with the condition, and support the Alzheimer’s Society’s mission to be there for everyone with dementia. The trek wasn’t just a physical task, but an emotional one as we proved our dedication to making a difference for the cause that is so important to us all.”

“I’m so proud of us for this achievement. Trek26 in the sweltering sun was a challenge but we were bound by our mission to make a difference for those living with dementia and their families.”

The trio were able to raise an amazing £1,256 for Alzheimer’s Society which will go towards funding groundbreaking research and directly supporting the charities to campaign for dementia to be the priority it should be.