Suzanne Maloney
My Story
I can't actually believe this opportunity has come around again, sadly the one we was doing for Willow Wood Hospice was cancelled due to covid.
Which is why we are extremely grateful to be able to help raise funds for Alzheimer's.
Our beloved Katie has been diagnosed recently and is bravely battling on each day.
In February Antoinette and I will trek across the Sahara covering approx' 100 miles in blistering heat, whilst sleeping in tents each evening.
Are we ready? No!
Are we determined to complete it - YES 100%
So please help us raise much needed funds.
Thank you for reading and supporting such a wonderful cause.
Update: 26th April 24. sadly Katie gained her wings on Saturday 6th April, she passed peaceful and completely unaware.
Update: 1st September 24. Volunteering reflection - twice in the last month I have volunteered for Alzheimer's, once for the Walk for a Cure at Stanley Park and today for the Memory Walk at Aintree in Liverpool.
Neither venue round the corner from home, both early starts on a Sunday morning, both dodging the Great British weather, but what was and will remain so - - is that at both venue's had an amazing turn out of walkers of all ages, from babies to grandparents, generations of family & friends coming together to remember their loved ones who have passed, everyone wearing pictures or just simply their names in print.
Dementia effects us all, the stats are almost equal to Cancer, the TV adverts, say it has it is, our loved ones die over and over again, we have to find a cure, we have to find a way to spot the signs earlier, we have to find a way to help our loved ones.
Each time I've come away heartbroken again, families walking with their loved ones who basically have no idea who they are or where they are or doing.
Please help us raise as much as we possibly can, to help those who need us during this difficult time in their lives.
Below is a little bit about what we'll be doing on the trek.
Training is now officially under way, keep following our progress either on here or on facebook Suzy is on a mission :-)
Thank you for reading
Much love
Suzanne xx
UPDATE - 20th October
Well this last few week's have been full of mixed emotions, it was Katie's birthday on Monday 14th October but also her brother's has she was a twin, her brother being my hubby.
It was difficult to say the least, no cards to write, no gifts to buy or calls to make.
I did the best I could to ensure Shaun's birthday was a celebration as well as reflecting on past birthdays they shared together as children.
Thanks for your continued support
Lots of love Suzanne xx
Update 22nd December
No idea where the time has gone, it's just 2months till we fly out to embark on the trek. Training was going great till I got knocked out with a chest infection but I won't let it stop me in my tracks completely. Onwards is the only way forward.
It's going to be another first this Christmas without Katie being here. She loved it so much, she'd sit for hours with her new colouring books and felt tips, a gift we knew she'd appreciate and get lot's from it, that and a CD from Cliff Richard or Westlife. Thinking about that makes me smile.
It's the small thing's that remind you of our loved one's that are no longer here.
One thing I've learned is to live for today but create unforgettable memories too and get those photo's printed, get them in a book, write what who and when alongside the pictures so you can talk about it and remember the details.
Sending you love and best wishes, thank you for your continued support, much love Suzanne xx
Update 28th December
Well what can I say 🤷 I sometimes wonder what I let myself in for, but here goes!
Not satisfied clearly with trekking across the Sahara for Alzheimer's for a week when I get back on the 28th February I'll have a week to recover before a run the Chester 10k race on the 9th March!
To then put my feet up would be absurd. I mean, why would I, so on Sunday 18th May I'll run the Chester 1/2 marathon followed by the Chester marathon on Sunday 5th October.
I'll continue my fundraising for Alzheimer's Society throughout the year as the work they do is incredible and the waiting list for more people to receive help is getting longer.
Alzheimer's is one of the UKs top killer's and like cancer it isn't selective on who it takes down.
Training is back in full swing from New Years day.
Keep following my progress on here, Facebook or Strava.
Thanks for following my journey, for Katie, Dora, Gordon and everyone living with this cruel illness xx
UPDATE 1st January 2025.
Up and out this morning to do parkrun over at Errdig, a 45 minute drive away, what I wasn't expecting was two calls to say two incredible men had passed away this morning. One my Uncle Paul, who's been in my life for as long as I can remember, the other my iggle sisters father in law Gordon, both had dementia along with few other bits not working correctly anymore. I was determined to complete the run and counted every step round the course. They was with me in spirit as I thought about the memories we've made over the year's. Both leave massive gaps in everyone's life. Hold tight to those you hold dear, create lasting memories for everyone.
Sending you all love and best wishes for the year ahead. Thank you for your continued support xxx
Discover Adventure specialises in worldwide cycling and trekking, with fundraising at its heart. Founded in 1994, through our core runs a passion for the outdoors and travel, and a desire to help others push their limits and create a positive impact through fundraising. Behind our challenging, fun, and often life-changing trips is a dedicated team of friendly staff and experienced leaders who take pride in every participant’s achievements.
A challenging fundraising trek against the backdrop of the awe-inspiring Sahara Desert, this adventurous trip offers a unique desert experience.
From flat desert floor scattered with ancient fossils, to perfect wind-blown sand-dunes, this trek is diverse and demanding but pushing yourself to the limit for a cause close to your heart will be the best motivation to spur you on. The vast, unforgiving desert is a truly beautiful place to discover, while the incredible star-strewn night skies are unforgettable, especially with a new moon.
Accompanied by Berber guides and a small caravan of camels, our remote night-camps with camp-fires and Berber singing are often a real highlight of the trip!