Karen Penny made 'Champion' of Alzheimer’s Research UK

Karen Penny, who featured in last week's Courier as she passed through Kintyre during a 20,000-mile walk around the British and Irish coastlines, has been made a 'Champion' of Alzheimer’s Research UK.

 

The prestigious accolade recognises her 'incredible fundraising and tireless dedication raising awareness of dementia', as well as her 'exceptional commitment' in an undertaking that will see her walk continuously around the coast for an estimated three years, a feat never before undertaken by a woman.

 

Karen said: 'I am delighted to have been named as an Alzheimer’s Research UK Champion in recognition of my support for the charity.

 

'Dementia has had a profound impact upon my family. During the last 10 years we have lost two very dear family members to vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, so I am passionate about the need for life-changing research.

 

'Everywhere I go on my walk around the UK and Ireland, I speak with people whose own families have been affected by these diseases. Their stories, and the determination to raise funds for research, are keeping me going on my journey.'

 

Karen joins a group of around 50 people who have been made Champions in recent years in recognition of their efforts in both fundraising and raising awareness on behalf of Alzheimer’s Research UK.

 

Hilary Evans, chief executive of Alzheimer’s Research UK, said: 'Karen has taken on an impressive challenge, both in terms of the distance that she is covering and the staggering amount of money that she is raising. She is also raising awareness about dementia, the importance of research and of the work we do at Alzheimer’s Research UK wherever she goes.

 

'We appreciate all she is doing for us and therefore we would like to thank her by inviting her to become one of our Champions.'

 

To sponsor Karen, visit www.justgiving.com/thepennyrollson