Mum’s suffering behind trek along Great Wall for charity
A Maidstone grandmother is gearing up to trek along the Great Wall of China to raise money for a charity which supports Alzheimer’s sufferers.
Kathy Schumann has taken up the challenge after her 88-year-old mum, Joan King, suffered from post-stroke dementia in 2012.
The Tonbridge Road resident hopes to raise at least £3,600 for the Alzheimer’s Society when she takes part in the walk later this year.
Mrs Schumann said: “My mum doesn’t only battle to find the right words to hold a conversation, but has lost all concept of time.
“After a year trying to keep her in her own home, we had to make the decision to place her into care.
“Although she has been in residential care for the past two years and is well taken looked after, it’s heartbreaking to see someone you love slowly deteriorate with dementia.”
The 60-year-old added her mother-in-law also suffered from dementia during the last four years of her life and was also in residential care up until her death in 1996.
“During those four years she only called my husband by his name once,” she added.
The six-day trek, taking place in October, consists of daily endurances up to eight hours, covering steep and rugged terrain, forest, farmland and hundreds of steps.
Mrs Schumann has already been dedicating herself to a strict training regime to ensure she is up for the gruelling challenge.
Jeremy Hughes, chief executive of the Alzheimer’s Society, said: “We are delighted Kathy is giving her time to support Alzheimer’s Society.
“More then 250,000 people will develop dementia this year, one every three minutes.
“As a charity, we rely on the generosity of individuals like Kathy to help us continue out vital work.”
To donate visit www.justgiving. com/Kathy-Schumann The business behind number 32 Union Street has brought a slice of Spain to the County Town.
The Munoz family migrated from Marbella to open La Taberna, a fusion tapas bar serving up Mediterranean food and produce, in June last year.
In Roman times tabernas were known for the sale of food, wine and bread, but here there is more on offer besides the restaurant and delicatessen, with weekly flamenco shows and lessons plus Spanish events such as the traditional Three Kings’ Day celebrations.
It is owned and run by the Munoz family, who have more than 25 years experience in the restaurant industry.
Clara, who works front-ofhouse, said: “La Taberna is a dream. Our aim is that our relationship with customers will be based in the concept of an old Spanish word, ‘amigo’, which means best friend.
“We will develop the most friendly environment for them, with the warmth of the Mediterranean way of life.”
The restaurant is open Tuesdays to Sundays from 12pm to 3pm and 6pm to 10pm.
Takeaways are also available from 01622 750937.