22-04-2025
Retired man to walk 55 miles through County Durham for dementia in memory of wife
A retired man is set to walk 55 miles through County Durham in memory of his late wife who died from dementia.
Dr John Hirst, from Stockton, will lace up his his walking boots for a five-day journey along the coast, beginning in Thornaby-on-Tees and winding through County Durham's scenic towns and villages before reaching Newcastle-upon-Tyne.
The walk, which coincides with Dementia Action Week, will run from Monday, May 19 to Friday, May 23.
John and Pat on Shields Ferry (Image: PROVIDED) John is walking in memory of his wife, Pat, who passed away at the age of 66 after being diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia (FTD), a rare condition that affects parts of the brain responsible for behaviour and speech.
John said: "'Pat was diagnosed with FTD in 2012, 18 months after her retirement as a nurse in the NHS.
'Following her diagnosis her decline was rapid, resulting in loss of speech, an inability to swallow and for the final months she was forced to use a wheelchair.
"Throughout all of this she was always able to recognise us all and was aware until very close to the end of her life.'
John has since dedicated himself to raising awareness of young onset dementia and raising funds for Alzheimer's Research UK, the charity supporting scientific efforts to find a cure.
The County Durham stretch of the walk will see John pass through several coastal communities before reaching Newcastle's Campus for Ageing and Vitality, where Alzheimer's Research UK supports vital work.
Fiona Burrell, North East Regional Fundraising Officer at Alzheimer's Research UK, said: 'We are so grateful to John for taking on this walking challenge in memory of his wife Pat. We could not do the work we do without supporters like them."
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She added: 'Their incredible efforts help us power the most forward-thinking scientists working to find a cure for dementia. We can't wait to follow their journey during Dementia Awareness Week.'
John hopes to raise £1,000 for dementia research in the North East. Donations can be made at where John will also be sharing blog updates throughout his walk.
For more information about Alzheimer's Research UK or how to get involved, call 0300 111 5333 or email fundraising@
