An Essex paramedic is undertaking an extraordinary physical challenge to honor her grandmother's memory and support families affected by dementia. Hannah Goddard is training intensively for a 41-kilometer sponsored walk in the Lake District this July, aiming to raise at least £1,000 for Alzheimer's Society.
Personal Motivation Behind the Challenge
Hannah's inspiration comes from her grandmother, Ida Hickey, whose health declined over five years following an Alzheimer's diagnosis. "She was the kind of grandma whose love felt constant and safe, like a warm blanket you could wrap around yourself at any time," Hannah recalled. "She was the biggest presence at every Easter, birthday, or Halloween celebration. Christmas was always her favorite holiday, and she made each and every one truly special."
The Gradual Impact of Alzheimer's
The paramedic described how the disease transformed her grandmother's vibrant personality. "The Alzheimer's came on quite quickly. Over time, the change became heavier and more profound. The warmth was still there, but it flickered, buried under layers of confusion and fear," Hannah explained. "Beneath the confusion, the grandma who cared so deeply was still present, even when she could no longer express it in the same way."
Hannah reflected on the particular pain of watching a loved one decline gradually. "We learned a new kind of pain: watching someone fade in pieces, knowing there was no sudden goodbye, only a long, aching letting go that stretched across years."
Training Regimen and Companions
The dedicated healthcare professional has developed a rigorous training schedule to prepare for the demanding 41-kilometer trek (approximately 26 miles). Her preparation includes:
- Gym sessions four times weekly
- 10-kilometer walks twice weekly with her two Labrador companions, Lola and Ollie
- Training in all weather conditions and across various terrains
Hannah will be joined on the walk by friends including Amy, whose father was recently diagnosed with Alzheimer's, creating a supportive team united by personal connections to the disease.
Purpose of the Fundraising Effort
"Every step we take helps raise funds for vital services that support families like my friend Amy's and supported mine during that difficult time," Hannah emphasized. The funds raised will support multiple aspects of Alzheimer's Society's work:
- Immediate care and support services including advice lines and community groups
- Dementia advisors who provide essential daily assistance to affected families
- Long-term research initiatives working toward better treatments and understanding
Broader Impact of the Initiative
The paramedic highlighted how the fundraising directly benefits both current and future generations. "The funds we raise go toward immediate care and support for families navigating dementia today, while also contributing to longer-term research that works toward better treatment options and deeper understanding for the future," she explained.
This initiative represents a powerful combination of personal tribute and community support, with healthcare professionals using their physical endurance to raise awareness and resources for a disease that affects millions of families nationwide.
