Former 'Queen of the Jungle' raises £3k for Alzheimer's Society by completing Stonehenge trek

Vicky Pattison was among hundreds who took part on Saturday

Author: Henrietta CreaseyPublished 6th Sep 2022
Last updated 6th Sep 2022

TV personality, author and podcast host Vicky Pattison was among hundreds who completed an epic 26-mile trek around Stonehenge for Alzheimer’s Society on Saturday (3rd September).

The former 'I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here ' winner strapped on her walking boots alongside fiancé Ercan Ramadan to honour her beloved grandad, David, who sadly died from dementia aged 92 in February.

Every three minutes someone develops dementia and it’s estimated that by 2040, 1.6 million people in the UK will have the condition.

Following the trek, Vicky said: “I’ll admit it, my legs are tired, but I think I did my granddad proud out there today! As each step got harder, I felt more determined to channel his fighting spirit and finish the course.

“My heart is so full from seeing all the other Alzheimer’s Society supporters trekking alongside me, united by one mission – to raise as much money and awareness as possible to help people with dementia.

“I was blown away by the gorgeous views around Stonehenge and the camaraderie among people who were trekking for, or in memory of, their loved ones. We got each other through it and had a total blast.

Vicky added:

“Alzheimer’s Society’s Trek26 events are just one of the many ways you can support the charity. If you’re looking to walk fewer miles, there are also plenty of shorter Memory Walks happening this Autumn.

“I’d really encourage everyone to sign up for an event. I can’t bring my granddad back but being able to honour him like this has brought me a lot of comfort.”

Vicky and Ercan’s scenic trek around Stonehenge is just one of the charity’s many Trek26 events happening across the UK.

Hannah Mayfield, Fundraising Manager at Alzheimer’s Society, said:

“We’re so incredibly grateful to Vicky and Ercan for putting in the hours to train for and complete a Trek26. Their involvement has helped raised money and much-needed awareness of dementia.

“Without the funds raised from events like Trek26, we simply wouldn’t have the means to support the 900,000 people living with dementia in the UK. Vicky has done herself and her granddad proud.

Money raised from Alzheimer’s Society’s Trek26 and Memory Walk will go towards the charity’s vital services, including its Dementia Connect support line.

You can sign up for next summer's event at alzheimers.org.uk/Trek26 and find out about 25 Memory Walks across England, Wales and Northern Ireland this Autumn by visiting memorywalk.org.uk for more information.

The charity is offering a discount on the registration fee for 2023 by using VICKYTREK

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