A FAMILY, from Bishop’s Waltham, completed a 26-mile-long trek around Stonehenge, raising thousands for charity, in memory of their bird-loving grandfather.

Ken Palmer, a UK bird expert, died of dementia in 2012. Ten years on, his family have successfully completed a marathon walk around Salisbury to raise money for the Alzheimer’s Society.

As an ornithologist, Mr Palmer introduced his children and grandchildren to bird watching and buzzards inspiring the team name of “The Blue Buzzards”, made up of Ken’s daughter, granddaughter, son in law and great son in law.

Hampshire Chronicle:

The national event, titled Trek26, took place on September 3, starting and finishing at Hudson’s Field in Salisbury. So far the family have raised more than £2000 for the charity that helps to support people living with the memory loss illness.

READ MORE: Plans refused to convert hostel into new flats in Winchester city centre

Son in law Jos Creese said: “It’s a great cause and so many people in the world are impacted or touched by dementia, including our family. Alzheimer’s is a devasting disease, but if we all work together, our energy, commitment and money will not only help to reduce risks and causes of dementia, but support people and families who are affected.

“The walk coincided almost to the day 10 years ago when a much-loved father, father-in-law and grandfather died of dementia in his 80s. That was the trigger for us when we saw the walk advertised many months earlier, when we rashly decide to enter. Ken is much missed and was an almost fanatical bird watcher – in fact one of the UK’s experts, especially in bird song. So, we named the team ‘The Blue Buzzards’ in his memory and we looked out for buzzards all the way round the walk. We even had caps made up with a buzzards logo.

“The training paid off, and although there was some stiffness, even my sore arthritic toes held out on the day. It was superbly organised by Alzheimer’s volunteers, with snacks and drinks all the way round much appreciated. It was also a memorable and beautiful walk taking in Stonehenge.”

SEE ALSO: Dish Deli and Kitchen wins Cafe of the Year

Jos, his wife Marian, his daughter Georgie Batchelor and her partner Luke Batchelor completed the trek in nine hours and seven minutes and have currently raised an accumulative total of £2,164. To visit the family’s Just Giving page go to justgiving.com/fundraising/jos-creese

Hampshire Chronicle:

And for more on Trek26 Stonehenge go to alzheimers.org.uk/get-involved/events-and-fundraising/join-event/trekking/trek26/stonehenge-trek. The next event will take place on September 2, 2023.

Dementia is caused when a disease damages nerve cells in the brain causing a number of symptoms such as memory loss, confusion, problems with language and understanding and changes in behaviour that get progressively worse over time. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia. For more go to alzheimers.org.uk/about-dementia/types-dementia/what-is-dementia.