Foresters Monthly Charity Appeal Roundup – August 2025

Welcome to the second edition of our Foresters monthly roundup, where we celebrate the inspiring efforts of our members who are raising funds for Alzheimer’s Society – the UK’s leading dementia charity – as part of our 2025/2026 Annual Charity Appeal.

August saw Forester’s members taking on new challenges to fundraise for Alzheimer’s Society, including a gruelling trek along the stunning but challenging Jurassic Coast. Let’s dive into the highlights!

Trek26 – Conquering the Jurassic Coast

On Saturday 30th August, three dedicated Foresters – CEO Richard Dickinson, Finance Director Mark Allen, and Branch Development Officer Trish Slade – laced up their walking boots and set off on a 26-mile trek across the Jurassic Coast.

After 9 hours and 30 minutes of pure determination, the team crossed the finish line soaked, but still smiling!

So far, the terrific trio have raised £2,429 through JustGiving – an incredible achievement in support of Alzheimer’s Society. A huge congratulations to the team for their commitment.

From the Trail – Trish’s Trek Diary

Trish shares her candid and entertaining account of her journey:

“Jurassic Coast Trek26 looked like a fun challenge but as always, I had what I thought was a great idea, put it out in the world and then realised what I had committed myself to! Signing up two months before the event didn’t leave a lot of time to prepare and with a week to go, I had only managed my usual trips out with the dog and a couple of seven- or eight-mile walks. It is fair to say I was concerned about my ability to make the distance and the avid checking of the weather forecast which was promising a wet day wasn’t helping my anxiety.

The dawn was just breaking as I made my way to the start point where I met the other members of the terrific trio, Richard and Mark. We were greeted with hot bacon baps and words of encouragement before setting off at 06.40. Conscious that the dry weather was not going to last until we made it back to the finish we set off at a good pace. The sun was trying hard to break through the clouds and we were occasionally blessed with some glorious views. Walking through farmland also meant that we were treated to some lovely countryside smells but at least this made a change from the scent of Deep Heat emanating from Mark. Richard rather felt it was a race that we could win and pushed us ever onwards, while Mark kept us entertained with his imitations. At one point I laughed so hard I thought I might embarrass myself. The facilities at the rest stops were outstanding with cheery volunteers always lifting our spirits. I loved the piles of fruit, each inscribed with a motivational message. We were very pleased to be greeted by Tony Dayman, Secretary of the Foresters Poole Branch, at our lunch stop and his stalwart support at the afternoon rest stop and again at the finish was gratefully received.

The weather started closing in with 5 miles to go, just as we started tackling the last big hill of the day. Not wanting to break the momentum none of us stopped to retrieve our waterproofs and by the time we reached the top we were soaking wet, so they became redundant. We walked on, covering some 3 or more miles along the ridge while the wind gusted into us, blowing me off course many times and driving the rain so hard into our faces it stung. Our footwear filled with water, but we persevered, and our squelching footsteps trudged on towards the finish. We took our minds off the discomfort by discussing the culinary delights we would treat ourselves too that evening after a lovely hot bath. Mark and I found humour in the steak and couscous combo Richard thought might be waiting for him. Finally, Corfe Castle came into view, and we were finally on the last stretch downhill to the finish. Still smiling, despite everything that had been thrown at us, we were all exceedingly relieved to make it over the line and complete the trek.”

Mark’s (Unofficial) Victory

Mark offered his own light-hearted take on the adventure:

“My preparations had been thorough, with creaking knees slathered in Deep Heat, further aches and twinges headed off by the liberal use of non-prescription drugs, heels and toes mummified in anti-blister tape, lashings of Kendal Mint Cake procured to provide vital periodic sugar rushes, waterproofs packed including detachable trouser legs and earphones readied to follow the football scores. Sadly, whilst the first three items all worked a treat, the mint cake got waterlogged and fused into one sorry mass, the waterproofs never made it out of the backpack and the howling wind/lack of signal made any attempt to enjoy BBC Sounds utterly futile at the 3pm kick-off time. My contributions to the photo diary mainly consist of pictures of Trish and Richard about 50 yards ahead as I puffed along gamely to try to keep up. They were gracious enough to let me put my foot first over the finish line so the official record will forever show that I WON!!!”

Richard’s Reflections – “This was a fabulous experience”

Richard’s competitive spirit shone through to keep the team going:

 “This was a fabulous experience, well organised by Alzheimer’s Society and they looked after us all the way round. The other trekkers were very friendly – we all looked after each other, although for some reason I decided that this really was a race and one that me Mark and Trish needed to win!!  So, I am sorry to say I badgered them all the way round and our breaks were kept to a minimum as this was a great time to overtake a number of trekkers at once. Trish and Mark humoured me, but I have to say even I lost motivation at mile 21 when the heavens opened and we had to try and navigate round some very big cows!  Never has a hot bath felt so good or my steak dinner so appreciated.”

A message from our Society President/High Chief Ranger

“I cannot believe that September is just around the corner…

August has been a busy month for me and of course the intrepid trio that took part in the Alzheimer’s Trek26 – they are my heroes. I can’t thank Richard, Mark and Trish enough for giving their commitment, time, energy and having to walk the last 5 miles through the rain and mud to get to the finish line. Unfortunately, I wasn’t there, but a representative from the charity, Ross, was there to cheer them on and linked us up by phone for a quick chat as the wind and rain hadn’t stopped at that point…

This month I was invited to a comedy show in Derby that was wild to say the least… and then onto a North Western Area lunch in Leek. Yet again I’ve been blown away by the kindness and generosity of Foresters members… thank you Brook, Tony and Janet for your kind welcome.

I need to take a minute to thank all of you for sharing your personal stories with me, organising events, raising donations for our charity appeal and of course raising awareness of Dementia and how Alzheimers Society can help all of us.

In August I was also invited to a Foresters outing with court 1549 to Flamingo World and Zoo, but nobody told me it was a theme park with the biggest rollercoaster that I’ve ever seen. While everyone was over the minimum height chart (some tried by standing on tip toes) I watched on with my feet firmly on the ground and had the opportunity to meet some Flamingos in the zoo instead, which was perfect for me.

As we were nearby, a few of us Foresters visited York over the Bank Holiday weekend and went to the Jorvik Viking Centre. What an experience! Definitely one to add to your to-do list – and of course, Whitby by steam train – except as the weather was so dry the train had to be pulled by a diesel engine, but it was still a lovely journey. Once we arrived, there was only one thing to do and yes you guessed it, Fish and Chips, which were very yummy.

I hope August went well for you and all of our wonderful Foresters members, as there was some glorious weather. I’ll see you in September as my journey takes me to more of our Branches, traditionally known as Courts, to catch up with old friends (and hopefully make some new ones) and I can’t wait!

Yours Fraternally, Gail.”

Thank You and Keep Supporting!

We’re incredibly proud of Richard, Mark and Trish for completing the Trek26 challenge and raising over £2,400 so far – and counting!

You can still support their fundraiser on JustGiving: www.justgiving.com/page/foresters-1

Stay tuned for more inspiring updates in next month’s Charity Appeal Roundup! If you’d also like to fundraise with us, here’s how you can get started:

You can learn more about the Society’s annual charity appeal here.

 

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