Go Solly! Five-year-old steps into 2022 with second 50-mile challenge

Saturday 01 January 2022

A five-year-old boy, whose 50-mile trek raised nearly £2,000 for a dementia charity that supported his great-grandparents last January, is taking on the challenge again this month.

The event is run by Dementia Jersey, and challenges islanders to walk or run 50 miles in the month of January.

In 2021, Solly Lumley (then four) walked with his grandparents, David and Beverley Mason, and father, George Lumley. Solly raised almost £2,000, making him the biggest fundraiser for the challenge.

This time around, he wants to beat his previous total.

Joining him on his 2022 journey will be his seven-month-old sister Rosie, and mum, Katie Lumley.

Pictured: Solly with parents George and Katie, and little sister Rosie. 

Katie said: “We had so much fun completing the 50-mile challenge last year as a family and with our friends. We’re looking forward to doing it again and pleased to be raising funds for a super important and worthwhile cause.

“Solly’s great grandad was diagnosed with vascular dementia and got a lot of support from the charity through their music therapy. They also supported my gran who was caring for my grandad and kept up that support after he had passed away, which was really important."

Pictured: For the 2021 challenge, Solly often walked with his grandmother, Beverley. 

“We’re very grateful for the work Dementia Jersey does and want to keep fundraising so they can continue and expand their wonderful work," she added. 

The charity is encouraging people of all ages to sign up to the challenge.

Claudine Snape, Dementia Jersey CEO, said: “The 50-mile challenge was a huge success in 2021. Thanks to our organiser, volunteer Simone Sains, we had 342 people sign up raising a phenomenal £20,000, but this year we would love to exceed those numbers."

Pictured: Post walk, enjoying a well-deserved hot chocolate with father, George, and grandfather, David. 

“The challenge raises much needed funds to support people affected by dementia in Jersey and is a great way to start the new year with a healthy challenge by getting those steps in.

“Regular exercise and maintaining a healthy lifestyle is also a proven way of reducing your risk of dementia in later life.”

Pictured: Ticking off the miles.  

If you would like to sign up the challenge, CLICK HERE.