"I haven't seen her in over a year" - Preston boy wants to make great-nan proud with fundraiser

Seven year old Ronnie Rea hasn't seen his great-nan in over a year due to the Coronavirus but he hopes to make her proud by completing a fundraising challenge.
By Jessica Hubbard
Published 18th Mar 2021, 15:45 BST

This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article, but that does not affect our editorial judgement.

Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Great-Nan Doreen has had Alzheimer's since Ronnie was born and her family have not been able to visit due to Coronavirus restrictions.

On Saturday (March 20) Ronnie will complete a six-mile Memory Walk with his mum.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

They will set out from their home in Preston and will walk the roughly six-mile route to Longridge.

Ronnie Rea, 7, with a photo of his great-nana, Doreen who has inspired him to complete a Memory Walk. Photo: Neil CrossRonnie Rea, 7, with a photo of his great-nana, Doreen who has inspired him to complete a Memory Walk. Photo: Neil Cross
Ronnie Rea, 7, with a photo of his great-nana, Doreen who has inspired him to complete a Memory Walk. Photo: Neil Cross

Ronnie said: “We are all very sad as we haven’t seen my great-nana since last March due to the pandemic.

“Whatever the weather, rain, sun or even snow, I will continue to complete my walk for my great-nana Doreen who has had Alzheimer’s since I was born."

The young fundraiser wants to raise 'as much money as possible' to support the Alzheimer’s Society.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“I am hoping to make my great-nana proud when I eventually see her and tell her all about my walk for her," Ronnie said, “It would really mean the world to me to have your support.”

Ronnie Rea, 7, with a photo of his great-nana, Doreen. Photo: Neil Cross.Ronnie Rea, 7, with a photo of his great-nana, Doreen. Photo: Neil Cross.
Ronnie Rea, 7, with a photo of his great-nana, Doreen. Photo: Neil Cross.

At the time of writing, Ronnie has raised over £450 on his JustGiving page and he hopes to raise a total of £500.

His father, Jason Rea, said: “My wife’s grandma suffers from Alzheimer’s and Ronnie hasn’t seen her for over a year now.

“That was the inspiration behind the fundraiser- to raise more money and awareness for an issue that is close to the family."

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Ronnie is a very active young boy who normally plays a lot of football and Jason says he is looking forward to his Memory Walk.

Ronnie's Great-Nana, Doreen.Ronnie's Great-Nana, Doreen.
Ronnie's Great-Nana, Doreen.

“It’s really good to see the money that he has raised so far,” Jason said.

Memory Walks are sponsored walks to raise money for the Alzheimer’s Society so it can continue to support those living with the condition.

Ronnie's JustGiving page can be found at this link and he has made a video about his upcoming Memory Walk here.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

According to the Alzheimer's Society, 850,000 people live with dementia in the UK.

Alzheimer's disease is the most common type of dementia, affecting between 50 and 75 per cent of those diagnosed.

More information about the Alzheimer’s Society and Memory Walks can be found at this website.

Related topics:PrestonCoronavirusAlzheimer's DiseaseAlzheimer's Society