A MATHS teacher will add to the coffers of an Alzheimer’s charity when she takes on a fund-raising walk in memory of her father.
Alison Bearpark, who teaches at Avon Valley School, will lace up her trainers and join other walkers at the Alzheimer’s Society Memory Walk in Leamington’s Victoria Park on Saturday (September 29).
Alison was inspired to tackle the 5.5km challenge by her dad Derek Lake, who was an avid walker before the disease struck.
She said: “My dad suffered with this disease for over five years. It gradually took away his ability to live independently and left him relying on my mum for complete care, leading to him eventually spending time in a nursing home.
“Due to the disease affecting his nerves he lost the ability to walk and move his limbs, and it finally took away his speech. Walking was one of his favourite past times, which he always enjoyed doing.”
She was also inspired by her dad’s own fund-raising achievements.
“My dad was an active fund-raiser for the MS society, a disease which took my uncle,” she said. “He gave so much of his time to speak at events and support activities to raise money to research this life-changing disease.
“At the same time he ran his own business, Ewington and Lake Ltd, looking after so many people with washing machine and hoover repairs. He was such a friendly, jolly and generous soul.
“Dad managed to remember mum, my sister and I to the end, which we were so thankful for. He even managed the occasional smile, despite being in so much pain.
“I miss him so much as he was my rock and so inspirational in my life.
“I hope I can raise money to continue the work in trying to find a cure for this disease so that others may not have to suffer as he did.”
Avon Valley head teacher Alison Davies added her support.
She said: “It is always lovely to see members of our school community supporting good causes. Alison is a much loved colleague and I wish her all the best for the Memory Walk.”
Alison is currently just over half way to her £400 fundraising target. Visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/alison-bearpark to donate.
