Poppy Smith is walking 100 miles during September to raise funds for the Alzheimer’s Drop-In Club in Stone – a place that gave her family friendship, support, and comfort when they needed it most.
A walk with purpose
When Poppy Smith steps out each day this September, she’s doing more than stretching her legs. Every mile walked is a tribute to her late Gran, who lived with Alzheimer’s, and to the community group that gave both her grandparents a place to belong.
The Alzheimer’s Drop-In Club in Stone has been running for many years. It provides a warm, welcoming space for people living with Alzheimer’s and their families. The sessions are free and filled with entertainment, activities, and connection.
“My Gran and Grandad went to the club for years, right up until my Gran passed away in 2018,” said Poppy. “She had Alzheimer’s, and the club gave her joy and companionship. It was a place where she could just be herself.”
But the impact didn’t stop there.
“It helped my Grandad too,” she added. “He found people who understood exactly what he was going through. You can’t put a price on that.”
Supporting a space that matters
The club continues to provide this support to local families, offering more than just tea and biscuits. From visiting singers and dancers to games and shared laughter, it’s a lifeline for many. But like many community services, it relies on donations and goodwill.
That’s why Poppy has set herself the challenge of walking 100 miles across the month. She’s logging her progress on the Strava app and sharing updates on her JustGiving page. Her goal is to raise funds to help the club continue to offer comfort, connection, and community.
“This cause is really close to my heart,” said Poppy. “I wanted to give something back. I hope people will support it, even if it’s just a few pounds – it really does make a difference.”
How to support Poppy’s challenge
Poppy’s JustGiving page is live and accepting donations throughout September. She’ll be updating it with photos and distance milestones as the challenge goes on.
You can read her story and donate here: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/poppy-smith-147
