Padgate sisters walk miles in honour of granddad living with dementia

Ella, eight, and Sofia Pye, six, took part in the Dementia UK initiative ‘Walk 31 Miles in May’ and devoted themselves to the task, walking a total and impressive 41 miles throughout the month.

Mother, Natalie Pye spoke of how ‘proud’ she was to see the girls complete the challenge together and raise so much money in honour of her dad, Graham, who has lived with the debilitating illness for the entire life span of both Ella and Sofia.

“The girls have loved doing the walk each day. My reason for wanting to do it was so I could show them after dad being so poorly in March, we could turn it into something good and raise some money for families like us.”

Ella and Sophie Pye took on a Dementia UK challenge throughout May in honour of their granddad, Graham (Image: Supplied)

Graham, who was one of the first residents at Whittle Hall, was initially diagnosed back in 2013, just two weeks after turning 52, but sadly the illness has severely affected him in the last decade he has lived with it.

“My dad is in the last stages and is unable to talk now but we have told him how well they have done with this,” Natalie said.

Setting an impressive example for their young generation, Ella and Sofias have raised a fantastic sum of £1,085 during the fundraising challenge they completed in May.

“We had a set route most days, but they have also done some longer walks and have walked a total of 42.79miles over their normal activities each day through the month of May.

“I am so proud of them and really didn't expect them to raise as much as they did, they also help to look after their granddad by feeding him and they love to take him out into the garden at his home. 

Both pupils at Christ Church Primary School in Padgate, Natalie said teachers at the school have been incredibly supportive and have also donated to the fundraising page.