Philip seeks ‘Characters on the Coastline’ during his epic 5,000 mile walk to raise funds for dementia.

Writer Philip Williams will be coming up to Scotland as part of an epic 5,000 mile walk that has seen him visit the dangerous Devil’s Causeway, herds of confrontational cattle and the full force of the unforgiving British weather. He has taken on the challenge of trekking the English, Welsh and Scottish coastlines as a tribute to his mother Margaret, 84, who has Alzheimer’s disease. He also wants to meet and interview local characters of the coastal towns on his journey, people who live and work in seaside communities, to get a real feel for what life is like on Britain’s coastline in 2011.

Philip, from London, started his walk from Brighton in February 2011. His walk will take a total of 24 months; wear out approximately 5 pairs of walking boots and raise, hopefully, in the region of £100,000 for Alzheimer Scotland and Alzheimer’s Society. You can read more about his walk, and the motivation behind it, on his website – http://www.philipwilliams.uk.com/my_charity_walk .

Philip said, ‘Since my mum was diagnosed with dementia seven years ago, I have come to realise just how important it is to get good local dementia support. It has provided so much invaluable help and support to me, my mum and my whole family.
‘This walk is my way of giving something back. It’s been a challenge so far, but I’ve had some fantastic experiences such as going on a surveying mission with Ferryside Inshore Rescue and being treated to a tour of Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium. I’ve met so many big-hearted people along my way and I’m really looking forward to meeting more. Anyone who wants to come and say hello or help me towards my £100,000 target is most welcome.’

Henry Simmons, Chief Executive of Alzheimer Scotland, said, ‘Philip has set himself an amazing challenge and we’re delighted that he has chosen to support Alzheimer Scotland during the Scottish leg of his journey. His route will take him through many towns where our local services are based and I hope he gets the chance to speak to lots people with dementia and carers.’

‘Alzheimer Scotland believes that whether you’re in a small village or a big city, you shouldn’t have to go through dementia on your own. Fundraisers like Philip help us to reach people in their own communities and give them the support they need.’

To sponsor Philip visit justgiving.com/Characters-on-the-Coastline .To find out more about how you can fundraise for Alzheimer Scotland, visit www.alzscot.org. Philip is also on the lookout for affordable places to stay during his journey: if he can pitch his tent in your garden or bed down in your spare room for the night, he’d be very grateful!