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Oct 2024
Nidderdale woman walking 2,024 miles in 2024 for charity
A woman from Darley is nearing the end of a year-long challenge to walk 2,024 miles in 2024 to raise money for Parkinson’s UK.
Claire Styles, 60, started her epic challenge on January 1, when she committed to covering several miles a day across Nidderdale and beyond.
Claire decided to raise money for Parkinson’s UK as her mother-in-law, Glennie, has been living with the condition for many years. Claire has so far clocked up over 1,700 miles, taking in routes in Northern Ireland and Switzerland, and now has about 300 miles to go.
She is on course to complete her challenge at Christmas with Glennie, who hopes to walk the last half-mile supported by her family.
Claire said:
Whilst Glennie is incredibly positive, Parkinson’s has been quite a blow, to say the least. She needed time to accept the changes in her own body and how these affected her socially.
Parkinson’s not only impacts the person living with the condition, but family members too, who often struggle to come to terms with the changes in their loved ones.
For the last 10 months, Claire has covered an average of about six miles a day, every day. She said:
On wet, cold, and miserable days, it is hard to be inspired.
The biggest challenge is probably the relentless nature of the miles across a whole year. Many of my walks are with our German shepherd dog, Luna. She had an operation this year and without her by my side, the walks felt much tougher.
But I definitely feel fitter and have a huge feeling of satisfaction knowing that I’m making a difference to people with Parkinson’s. The incredible generosity of people who have donated so far has also really keeping me going!
Jacquie McGuire, community fundraiser at Parkinson’s UK, said:
We’re incredibly grateful for the dedication and passion of fundraisers like Claire, whose extraordinary effort to walk 2,024 miles throughout 2024 shows immense commitment.
Her challenge not only shines a light on those living with Parkinson’s but also celebrates the resilience of their families. Every penny raised from Claire’s walks will make a significant impact on our community, and we couldn’t be more thankful for her support.
Claire has already beaten her £2,500 fundraising target, having raised more than £2,600, and has just two months to complete her challenge. Readers can sponsor her via her Justgiving page.
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