Sisters walk 10,000 steps a day to raise thousands for charity as a tribute to nan who survived Covid

By Toby Porter

Two sisters are walking 10,000 steps a day this month to raise thousands of the Alzheimer’s Society in tribute to their beloved nan – who survived Covid-19.

Kaycee, 17, and Lucky, 28, have joined thousands of determined supporters, all conquering their own walking challenges to raise vital funds for the UK’s leading dementia charity.

And they have already busted their £200 target eight-fold by raising £1,810.

The duo from Needleman St, Canada Water, are walking 10,000 steps a day throughout March and took on the London Bridges walk on Saturday (March 20) to support their grandmother, Kathy, who has vascular dementia.

They have already raised 905 per cent of their original target, almost £2000 to support Alzheimer’s Society’s vital work.

Their mum, Kylie Crawley, said:“I worked full time, so my mum looked after my children, and as a result, their bond is so strong.

“My mum was awarded the Civic Award for Services to the Community from the mayor for her services to the community.

“She ran the Tenants Association and was a very active member of the local community, so she is loved by many people, and before Covid, she had a constant stream of people coming in to visit.

“It was difficult for all the family, especially Kaycee, to see the changes in my mum, and it was hard for her to accept.

“Kaycee adores my mum. So, when Lucky suggested that they walk together in her honour, she was absolutely over the moon.

“Nan got Covid a year ago, and we were all called in to say our goodbyes, but against all the odds, she pulled through.

“Because Kaycee is clinically extremely vulnerable, she has not been able to go in and see her nan since the pandemic began, and she misses that connection.

“She picks up when we are upset, so we have tried to stay positive for her sake because it has also been a tough year for her.

“She has had to shield this entire time and has not been able to go to school, which she loves to do. Now that Kaycee is vaccinated, our walk is one of the first times that she has been able to go out again, so it has been an absolute lifeline for her.”

Kaycee and Lucky will join thousands of supporters, all marching out and completing their own Memory Walk, sponsored by Santander, throughout March. People can sign up for free and choose a location to suit them.

People with dementia have been worst hit by coronavirus in terms of deaths, both from the virus and knock-on effects of lockdown – thousands have seen their health deteriorate and mental health decline as a result of having little social contact and interruptions to essential care and support.

Thousands of carers have also been hit by visitor bans and a lack of respite.

Jackie Swapp, Alzheimer’s Society Area Manager for South London, said: “The coronavirus pandemic has been devastating for families in London like Kaycee and Lucky’s.

“People affected by dementia need us now more than ever, but the pandemic has hit us hard financially, despite an unprecedented demand for our services.

“We want to thank Kaycee and Lucky and everyone taking part in a walking event for us across London.

“Money raised will help Alzheimer’s Society reach and support more people through our vital services, like the Dementia Connect support line, which has been used almost three million times in the UK since March 2020.

“We are in awe of the resilience of supporters like Kaycee and Lucky’s whose dedication to fundraising for Alzheimer’s Society ensures that we are able to support those who need it most during this difficult period.”

To donate click here.

If you would like to take part in a trek or Memory Walk for Alzheimer’s Society, visit alzheimers.org.uk/events to sign up today.