Dan’s the man!
Daniel Adcock, 40, from Audlem in Cheshire has fast become a firm favourite in the 2021 #walk1000miles community.
WHEN MY MUM heard there was going to be another lockdown she suggested I start going for a daily walk for some exercise. I thought it was a good idea. I’ve always liked to keep fit. Mum told me about the #walk1000miles challenge and that I could get a medal if I complete it. I like getting medals so I said “Yes, let’s do it!”
I have Down Syndrome and I can’t go out on my own so my mum comes with me on my walks. I try to do about 3-4 miles each day, but mum has an ankle injury so sometimes she has to have a day off and rest it. When that happens I go outside and walk up and down our driveway for a couple of miles which helps me to keep on track.
I thought it would be good if I could raise some money for charity while I am walking so I chose the MND Association because we lost our good friend Lesley to it last year. So far I have raised £1339.
Sometimes my sister Sarah will take me for a walk to give my mum a rest. I have two more sisters, two brothers and some friends in the village who all want to join me for a walk but they can’t at the moment because of the lockdown.
I had my COVID-19 vaccine last week so I hope that soon
I will have lots of people to walk with me.
I’m really glad that I am doing #walk1000miles because it is helping me to keep my fitness up for when I can go back to my activities. I like saying hello to all the people I pass when I’m out walking. Before the virus hit I went three days each week to a countryside volunteer group. With support we would look after public footpaths and hedgerows. We also help to keep public parks and open spaces clean and tidy for everyone to enjoy. I’m looking forward to the time when I can do that again because I love being outdoors and doing things that keep me fit.
I used to do gymnastics and have two gold and two bronze medals from the Special Olympics World Games. I can’t wait to add my 1000-mile medal!
The challenge is very friendly. I like my mum to let people know how I’m getting on. I love all the messages of encouragement that I get. I want to say thank you to everyone for all the support. And to anyone who’s wondering if they should join in – get up off the sofa, put some shoes on and go for a walk, you will feel much better!”