Chonkier, more determined and back at it again!

Hello everyone!

First of all, let’s talk political correctness. Not everybody is happy with the use of the word ‘chonky’, so I tried to come up with something more acceptable in today’s society. ‘Gravitationally challenged’ is apparently okay, as are ‘big boned’, ‘corpulent’ and ‘difficult to kidnap’. None of them have the right ring to them though, so ‘chonky’ I will remain.

With that sorted out, it is time to announce my next stupid adventure. This stupid adventure has to be more stupid than last year’s stupid adventure, which is going to take a bit of doing. I’m really not sure how we got to this but being taken somewhere far away and walking home seemed like a good idea, and the obvious faraway place worked out to be Scotland. Of course it did.

So, starting on 1st June I will be walking from Kirk Yetholm, just over the Scottish boarder, along the length of the Pennine Way to Edale in Derbyshire, and then on to my home in a small village near Chesterfield (or, more accurately, the pub three houses further on). The challenge will be to complete the 300 mile trip solo and unsupported in 14 days. Told you it was more stupid.

Like last year I’ll put little videos out to share the good bits and the bad bits, and with luck they’ll make people smile, or donate, or hopefully both!

Anyone who read the blurb last year will know that the inspiration for this madness is my dad, a very intelligent and charismatic man who is now in an advanced stage of dementia, requiring full-time residential care. As far as he’s concerned he volunteers at the home to work with the other residents, who have various “difficulties” and need his help. I love that.

The last time I saw dad he was really pleased and recognised me straight away, although his perception of time was a bit out of whack. “You’re a big boy now!”, he said to me. Now, I’ve been told that twice before as an adult, once as a good natured jibe, and once as a sort of erotic encouragement. All three occasions gave me a boost, but this was probably the best one.

So many people are touched by dementia, and so many families and loved ones struggle to cope with the burden of caring, watching someone they love slip away while their day to day needs become greater and greater. That’s where charities like Dementia UK come in, and that’s why I’m trying to support them through raising awareness. If you feel that you can donate to help them help families and carers in need, please do. If nothing else it will make you feel a bit better about watching a chonky man suffer on some hills for a fortnight, if that’s your thing.

See you soon

Dave

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