Preparations for Sponsored Snowdon Walk in May, in aid of Alzheimer’s Society

It all began with a general chat between Maurice, son-in-law of one of one of the residents of Gilwern House Residential Home in Pontllanfraith, and manager, Deborah Gordon. Maurice said how he’d love to walk Snowdon but had no one to go with him. Deborah said she’d walk with him. Both agreed it would be a good opportunity to support a charity.

Alzheimer’s is a condition that is close to the hearts of the staff of Gilwern House as some family members are living with the effects of the condition. Gilwern House also has several residents with some form of Dementia. As a registered champion for Dementia, Deborah believes that raising awareness as well as research is crucial for the future.

So, biting the bullet, or striking while the iron was hot, Deborah put together a schedule of practice walks that would increase fitness for the big challenge in May. The main group of walkers met firstly to conquer Machen Mountain. This took place on the coldest, wettest day in February and could easily have put all the walkers off continuing the walking programme, but, thankfully, the skies were blue when they attempted their next walk, up Twmbarlwm, on the 5^th of March.

Future preparation walks include The Waterfalls at Neath Valley, Blorenge and Sugar Loaf in Abergavenny. The group also plan walking Cadair Idris.

For those not able to do Snowdon, an alternative challenge has been arranged, so staff and families of residents are going to be walking PenYFan mountain in the Brecon Beacons, again in May, and again, in aid of Alzheimer’s.

There is a warm welcome to anyone who wishes to join us and an even warmer welcome if you can manage to raise some sponsorship towards this worthy cause.

You’re never too old for a challenge! The youngest group member in the photo is 50 and the oldest is 74, I’ll leave you to guess which is which.

Do get in touch. Deborah Gordon, Gilwern House, Tel 01495 226 515