South Downs Challenge Walk

We are organising a Challenge Walk on Friday 11th July 2025, aiming to raise £5,000 plus for Alzheimer's Society's local and national work.

A choice of three distances along part of the South Downs Way - 10 miles from Upper Beeding (A283 crossing) to Ditchling Beacon being the Green Walk; 13 miles from Amberley Station to Upper Beeding being the Black Walk; and a 26 mile Marathon distance from Amberley to Plumpton (Half Moon Pub) being the Red Walk.

The South Downs Way is a well signed, popular walking route will some significant hills but generally good surfaces and some road crossings that need care.

Refreshments will be provided (water and snacks) at some points on the route, but there will not be leaders, guides, or any special signing, so you'll need to be prepared and equipped as appropriate. We'll advise walkers in advance of further details including the route, refreshment bases, and how to keep safe.

If you are unable to take part but wish to contribute to the cause, you can donate by clicking here.

The route plan for the Red Walk, Black Walk and Green Walk is shown below:

Message from Rotarian Philip Hetherington

We're planning a Challenge walk on the South Downs Way on Friday 11th July to raise £5,000+, I hope, for Alzheimer's Society - nationally and locally - plus money to fund other Rotary work in our community.

I've chosen Alzheimer's Society because I know I'm not the only member with close family affected by this disease, that so far is incurable, though life with it can be improved by various support activities. A dreadful disease, because not only is memory and mental ability affected, but personality tends to change and physical abilities suffer also. Someone you’ve been close to for many years ceases to be that capable, communicative and independent person you knew.

Nationally, Alzheimer's Society does things only a major national charity can do, like influencing government policy and sponsoring and funding research into prevention, treatment, and support for as fulfilling lives as possible.

Locally (round here there’s a dementia choir, a support group, and several dementia cafes) they employ a network of local organisers to stimulate, coordinate and publicise activities. But these can only happen if there’s an input of local funding also, and a choir in this area for people with Alzheimer's had to suspend operation for a time until more local funds could be found.

Over the last ten years, Alison and I have made substantial donations to a handful of medical charities, regarding them as "insurance premiums" in the event of being affected. We've been at various update events, and involved in some trials, that have made us aware of just how much the Alzheimer's Society has done and is doing, and that’s why I'm asking for your support, as walkers, donors or support crew on 11th July.

I'd be pleased to supply further information. And please tell your neighbours and friends about it.

Philip Hetherington