An Appleby family’s grandad is taking on a 100km charity challenge in memory of his grandson.
Tim Clayton, 63, of Chesterfield, is set to take on the 100km Peak District Ultra Challenge in memory of his grandson Alfie Reuben Daffin, who passed away at the age of 12 last year.
Alfie, who was well known in Appleby, lived with multiple disabilities but faced life with remarkable courage and humour.
Tim’s challenge will take place on July 4 and July 5, and he will push himself to complete a mile for every year of his life.
So far, he has raised around £2,500 for Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw Children’s Hospice, both of which supported his son’s family in Appleby.
Tim said: “Alfie was the strongest, bravest and cheekiest little boy who lived with multiple disabilities, but took it all in his stride.
“For anyone who knew or met Alfie he left a lasting impression and continues to hold a place in many people’s hearts.”
Alfie was cared for at home by his parents, Chantelle and Richard, who made sure he had a life full of love.
While the family managed largely without outside help for much of Alfie’s life, Jigsaw Children’s Hospice played a crucial role in his final year, providing short periods of respite for Alfie and vital support for his parents.
Tim said that support became especially important towards the end of Alfie’s life, when the hospice also provided bereavement support after other services had fallen short.
Tim said he hopes his challenge will help other families in Cumbria receive the same care and compassion.
He added that he wants to help to create a lasting legacy in Alfie’s memory and support other families facing similarly difficult journeys.
Now, as he prepares to take on more than 60 miles on foot, he hopes the Appleby community and people across Cumbria will get behind his fundraising effort.
You can donate and support Tim’s challenge here.
Tim will join more than 2,000 participants at the Peak District Ultra Challenge, one of the UK’s most scenic and demanding endurance events, which takes place in the heart of the Peak District National Park.
Participants can walk, jog or run distances of up to 100km, following routes through rugged countryside including the Chatsworth House estate, the Monsal Trail and sweeping limestone valleys.
Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw Children’s Hospice rely heavily on charitable donations to continue their work supporting people with life-limiting conditions and their families.
