In 1992 Louise Smalley was born to Trev and Wendy, unfortunately she had a serious heart defect and was given only days to live by her doctors. Louise defied the odds and lived to be 13 months old in which time she contracted, fought and beat the deadly disease meningitis. She passed away on Boxing Day in 1993.
This year is the Louise Smalley Walk’s 30th Anniversary Year. The Louise Smalley Walk is an annual sponsored challenge walk, 40 miles in length and so far, they have raised over a quarter of a million pounds for local charities and good causes. It is Louise’s fighting spirit that is the inspiration behind the walk and behind the community organising it.
The community of the village of Whitwell, North Derbyshire, organise, plan the route, co-ordinate and provide transport, first aid, back up, assistance, admin, sustenance, refreshments, sponsorship, route maps, and practice walks. The charity has raised more than £250,000 in her name. This year, money raised will go towards the Just Good Friends Club, a local Derbyshire charity which supports adults with learning disabilities.
The first walk took place in 1994 following a route from the Limey Way back to the village. Another 8 walks make up the rota of walks including those from Monsal Head, Millers Dale and Ladybower, all of which end at the Royal Oak, Whitwell. This year, the walk will take place on 15th June and will follow the Millers Dale route. Cygnet has sponsored £800 towards the event.
Since its launch 30 years ago, the fundraising walk has raised over £264,000, having a huge impact on the community but more importantly a huge impact on the day to day lives of the users of groups that become beneficiaries, improving health, wellbeing, quality of life and, in some unfortunate cases, quality of death.
These groups have included the likes of Ashgate Hospice (Chesterfield). Neurocare (Sheffield), Sick Childrens Trust (Sheffield), The Bolsover Project, Stubbin Wood Special School, other local schools, Scouts and Guides, Bluebell Wood Childrens and Bassetlaw Hospices, Amy’s Retreat and on what would have been Louise’s 20th birthday, Chesterfield Royal Hospital’s appeal to build a new children’s playroom.
Ricky Holland, Regional Operations Director for Cygnet Health Care, said: “Across our Cygnet Health Care and Cygnet Social Care services, caring is in our DNA and that extends not just to our service users and their loved ones, but to the communities in which we serve.
“We are a proud partner in our communities and the Louise Smalley Challenge Walk has helped to raise much needed- funds for community organisations and challenges and has had a massive impact on the lives of so many.
“It is a very worthwhile cause, one we are proud to contribute to so we can continue improving lives for the better.”
To find out more about the walk please visit the Louise Smalley Challenge Walk website.