This weekend, a group of 25 Nacoa volunteers will brave the 6 Dales Circuit in the Peak District to raise funds and awareness for children affected by their parent’s drinking. It is a gruelling and beautiful 27 mile walk up and down hills across the Derbyshire dales.
The trip has been organised by long-time Nacoa volunteer and fundraiser Mckenzie Snape. She is touched by the issue and passionate about the service Nacoa provides giving information, advice and support to anyone affected by parental alcohol misuse in the UK.
Nacoa is more or less exclusively funded by voluntary donations from people who the issue is close to their heart and know exactly why providing support to everyone affected, regardless of circumstances, is so crucial.
Mckenzie is an inspirational advocate for COAs. Below is her blog piece explaining how she is feeling before the big day.
Please sponsor and send a thumbs up at the JustGiving page here.
‘Why I walk for Nacoa’
Walking has been the best form of therapy for me. In the months that followed the passing of my mum, going out for a walk seemed to be the only thing that kept me sane. It gave me the space to gather my thoughts and reflect on everything that had happened, as well as the physical benefits that you get from all those lovely endorphins.
My outlook on life changed significantly after my mum died. I have made a promise to myself to live life to the fullest and to challenge myself and do things outside of my comfort zone. In 2017 my dad and I attempted a 100km sponsored walk for Nacoa but unfortunately were unable to finish. I have undertaken other various challenges in the meantime but have been itching to do another event for Nacoa.
Over the past couple of years I have been trying to encourage others to fall in love with walking, too (and it’s been working!). I had a mad idea back in October that I would put on my own sponsored walk and get a few friends and family members to join me. I also extended the invitation to other COAs and was pretty shocked by the response I received! 25 people in total wanted to get involved. So, to cut a long story short on the 26th of May we will be taking on the 26 mile Peak District 6 Dale Circuit.
So far as a team we have raised over £4400 which is an outstanding figure as my original target was £2500. Everyone has been working so hard to train and to get their family and friends to sponsor them and for that I am immensely grateful.
I can only speak of my own experiences but I am sure that, had I had access to Nacoa when I was young, things would have felt a lot easier for me. I’m extremely passionate about the work that Nacoa do and really hope that together we can change the outcome for future generations of COAs.
Donate and send support to Mckenzie and her #BigWalkforNacoa2019 by going to: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/mckenzie-snape .
