Frank breaks through £20,000 barrier after coastal walk for dementia charity
Caithness charity walker Frank Stephen has been thanked for raising an “amazing amount of money” for Alzheimer Scotland.
The 74-year-old retired vet, who lives in Thurso, completed a 14-day trek up the John O’Groats Trail at the end of last month and has now broken through the £20,000 barrier on his JustGiving page.
Frank’s wife Moira was diagnosed with vascular dementia in 2019 and has been a resident at Seaview House care home in Wick since August last year.
Isobel Stevenson, Alzheimer Scotland’s Thurso-based dementia advisor for north Highland, said: “I would like to thank Frank for choosing to raise this amazing amount of money for Alzheimer Scotland, and of course a huge well done.
“Also, more importantly, as Frank has said, it is about raising awareness of dementia and the difference it makes to someone with dementia and their carer to have support from friends and family throughout the dementia journey. It really does make all the difference to know you are not alone.
“It is great that Frank has highlighted that Alzheimer Scotland has a presence in Caithness and we are here to help and support anyone with dementia and their families. My contact number is 07818 538683.”
Isobel was among the crowd of supporters who greeted Frank when he arrived at John O’Groats on May 26, having covered 174 miles on his coastal walk – including a hike up Ben Bhraggie.
Isobel, along with Susan Brass, presented Frank with a medal on behalf of Alzheimer Scotland and they also handed over a bottle of whisky.
By Monday of this week, donations on Frank’s online page had risen to £20,290 and there is more to be added. In a video message thanking all his supporters and helpers, Frank said he hoped to have a final tally by mid-June.
“Seeing the total rise on the JustGiving page was a big encouragement, so thanks to everyone who donated to the cause – I really am most indebted to them,” he said in the video message recorded at the John O’Groats Trail archway.
“I was absolutely blown away by the number of people who had come to meet me when I got back here to John O’Groats.”
Originally from Aberdeenshire, Frank moved to Thurso in 1973 to join D S MacGregor & Partners. He became senior partner in the veterinary practice.
