A dedicated carer from Garforth has raised more than £1,500 for Alzheimer’s Society after completing a demanding 26-mile walk through the Yorkshire Dales.
42-year-old, Tracey Tarpey, who has worked at Springfield Care Home in Garforth for the past 11 years, took on the gruelling challenge alongside her husband, completing the route in 10 hours and 44 minutes.
For Tracey, who has spent 24 years working in the care sector, supporting Alzheimer’s Society is deeply personal. She lost her grandmother to Alzheimer’s disease 19 years ago, and more recently her uncle has been diagnosed with the condition.
Having witnessed the devastating impact of dementia both professionally and personally, Tracey was determined to do her part to support the charity’s work.
Tracey said, “Alzheimer’s Society is a charity that is very close to my heart. I look after people living with dementia every day through my work, and I know first-hand the pain and suffering the disease causes to those it affects and to their families and loved ones. To be able to do my bit to support the charity and help fund research towards a cure means a great deal to me.”
She added, “Alzheimer’s robs people of memories with loved ones, no matter who is around you to help them remember those memories. Seeing that happen is heartbreaking, both as a carer and as a family member.”
Reflecting on the challenge itself, Tracey added: “It was an early start at 6am. I’m not good with early mornings, but there was a nice buzz in the air, and everyone was happy and smiley, even at that time of day. It was a hard walk and very challenging at times with the steep hills, both up and down, but knowing I was raising money for such an important cause kept me going.”
The fundraising total of more than £1,500 will help Alzheimer’s Society continue its work supporting people living with dementia and funding vital research into treatments and, ultimately, a cure.
