Coastal walker Karen Penny drops by Banff as part of 20,000 miles charity challenge
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A woman who is currently walking around the coast of Britain last week visited Banff, Macduff and Pennan as part of her challenge to raise more awareness about dementia.
Karen Penny from Swansea set off from her home last January to kick off the challenge that will see her cover 20,000 miles across the coast of Scotland, Ireland, England and Wales in four years.
While making her journey, she wants to raise £100,000 for Alzheimer’s Research UK a charity close her heart as she lost both parents to vascular dementia.
She explained how the idea came about for the challenge: “The reason for the challenge was sadly that I lost my mother and father to dementia and Kingsley my father in law to Alzheimer at the same time.
“Over a 10-year period as a family we struggled to look after them and make the right decisions in terms of their care.
“What I’m striving to do in this challenge is to raise as much awareness as possible for Alzhemier’s Research UK and what we really need is a breakthrough in research.”
During her visit to the area, she enjoyed getting a picture at the iconic telephone box in Pennan where the film Local Hero was set.
She added: “I went to Pennan where they filmed Local hero which is my favourite film of all time.
“I got my photograph taken in the telephone box which I think a few people back home will be jealous about it.”
The 54-year-old has been clocking up the miles while carrying her backpack which weighs about 17kg with all essentials inside it.
She has been overwhelmed with the support from local communities across the region.
Penny added: “I arrived in Scotland on August 25 last year and a lot of people were all saying to me you are going to be arriving in Scotland in the middle of winter but there has only been two days of snow so far.
“The experience has been amazing and I left my front door 13 months ago.
“People are really stepping up and helping me along the way.
“I have put the tent out less than five times in Scotland which is great.”
“I have really enjoyed the adventure so far.”
She has enjoyed the views along the way: “People love following my journey and a beautiful area to be here.
“I can’t thank people enough.
“In Macduff it was a lovely sunny day and beautiful walk .
“It is about raising more awareness about what’s on your door step and need to appreciate it .
“The coastal walks are fantastic.
“I have really enjoyed the adventure so far.”
To donate to the campaign visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/thepennyrollson
