A GP has flown more than 5,000 miles from his US home to walk the length of Hadrian’s Wall and raise money for a leading North East dementia charity.
David MacDonald, from Vallejo, California, decided to take up the Hadrian’s Wall Way challenge after losing his grandmother and mother-in-law to Alzheimer’s.
On 5 July, he and a group of friends from the hospital where he works began the 84-mile journey from Wallsend to Bowness-on-Solway.
So far, he has managed to raise over $4,000 in sponsorship to support an American dementia charity; Rehabilitation Services of Northern California.
Now, he is hoping as many British people as possible will join them by matching that amount for Newcastle-based Dementia Care.
David found out about Dementia Care through social media and, before he sets off, he will call in to the charity’s day centre in Brunswick Village to meet staff and find out more about the services it provides to those with dementia and their families.
David, who has named his adventure the Walk of Ages, said: “Dementia is a condition close to my heart and when I started planning my walk it was with the aim of raising money to support fine organisations, such as Dementia Care, which provide support for our family, friends and loved ones who have been afflicted with dementia.”
Dementia Care offers a range of services to those with dementia, including 24-hour support in their own homes, independent living houses, day centres and respite care and has been hailed by the Government as an example of good practice.
Dave Stevens, Chief Executive of the charity, which provides specialist care for more than 200 people with dementia each week, said: “We are actually incredibly touched by this.
“Not only is Mr MacDonald helping to raise much needed funds for our charity but he has put us in touch with Rehabilitation Services of Northern California and we are looking forward to building links between our two organisations.
“This is a great example of two heads being better than one and we very much hope as many people as possible will support Mr MacDonald and, through him, Dementia Care.”
To support Walk of Ages by David MacDonald and donate to Dementia Care, call 0191 217 1323 or visitwww.dementiacare.org.uk.