An adventurous team of children from Badger Class at St. Stephen’s Infant School took part in a sponsored walk from Canterbury to Chartham on Sunday 21st July to raise funds for the Parkinson’s Centre for Integrated Therapy. They first took on this challenge when they were in Ladybird Class (Foundation Stage) and earlier this year asked if they could to do one final walk together before moving to different classes when they transition to junior school in September.
The children, aged just six and seven, walked the four miles from Canterbury to Chartham with enthusiasm and determination. Some of the group even extended their walk to an incredible twelve miles, taking a detour along the North Downs Way to walk back home! Their efforts this year have raised an incredible £540 so far which will help fund some of the important therapies offered at the Centre to improve the quality of life of our members.
One of the parents taking part said: “Seeing our Badgers walk together to support people living with Parkinson’s has been incredibly moving. It’s a small step, but it means the world to know they’re making a difference to people living with this condition. The Parkinson’s Centre is a lifeline for so many (including a member of my own family) and we’re proud to be able to contribute to its vital work.”
The children were joined on their walk by Sarah Frow, a fitness instructor at the Parkinson’s Centre who is living with Young Onset Parkinson’s Disease. Sarah recently completed the Pilgrim’s Way Challenge (a 155 mile run from Winchester to Canterbury over six days) and was a huge inspiration for the children. Of the experience Sarah said: “As somebody whose mantra is exercise is medicine, I was blown away by the energy and determination of Badger Class. Their walk from Chartham to Canterbury was a testament to their incredible spirit and it’s fantastic to see young people getting involved in such a meaningful cause.”
Ava, aged 6, added “I really enjoyed walking with my friends and finding caterpillars, snails and ants! We all had a brilliant time on the walk and it was good to know we were helping people.”
Every child was presented with a medal at the end of the walk and will receive a certificate once their fundraising page has closed. The University of Kent and the team at the Parkinson’s Centre for Integrated Therapy are most grateful to the team for their extraordinary efforts. Their dedication is an inspiration to us all.
We would be thrilled if you could consider sponsoring them to help them reach their target of £800. Please visit their fundraising page.
