Last weekend, over 1,200 incredible walkers took to the trails of the Lake District for the latest Trek26 in support of the Alzheimer’s Society. Experiencing rain, blustery winds and sunshine — sometimes all within the same hour — participants took on either 13 or 26 miles around beautiful Ullswater.
Despite the tough conditions, spirits ran high and there were many stories of individuals joining together to support each other throughout the challenge, forming new friendships and sharing their experiences. The event raised over £500,000 for Alzheimer's Society, with donations still coming in.
Participant Emma summed up the spirit of the day perfectly:
"24 hours since one of the toughest challenges I’ve faced. It still hasn’t really sunk in!
I started the day on my own, wondering how I’d get through mentally at the times I knew I’d be physically struggling (Miles 13–18 were BRUTAL). I was fortunate enough to get chatting with a nice guy from Cambridge at breakfast and we decided to do it together for our parents. Then, about 1/4 of a mile in, we were joined by another two and a silent agreement was made to finish together. Lee, Denise and Becky, I could never have finished this without you. The camaraderie, the determination, the outburst of song toward the end, all of it 🫶🏼 Thank you so much.
This experience was so much more than I’d expected, and I’m so grateful that I could complete it and exceed my fundraising target for such a good cause, and make some excellent hiking friends on the way!
Every step was for you, mum. ♥️"