My Activity Tracking
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I’m walking to continue the legacy of my Mam
In memory of our amazing Mam, Dawn Kenny, who sadly lost her life at the age of 55 due to COPD.
She was our absolute world and without her there is a massive hole in our lives. I want to do something to keep her memory alive by fundraising to hopefully make even the slightest difference.
I want to start in July by walking 10,000 steps a day. To some people this may not seem a lot but to me this is huge and to someone suffering with COPD it takes away your ability to walk a few meters without struggling. This will hopefully will give me something to focus on while I navigate a life without my Mam.
Once I have completed this and my sister is able to walk with me I will be looking to arrange a coastal memory walk from Seaburn to South Sheilds along some Mams favourite beaches.
Every minute, someone in the UK is diagnosed with a lung condition. Every pound I raise takes us closer to a world where everyone breathes clean air with healthy lungs.
Just £22 allows one of Asthma + Lung UK's nurses to answer a call on the Helpline, offering potentially lifesaving advice to someone in need.
Any donations you can give are hugely appreciated - thank you for supporting me and everyone out there living with a lung condition.
My Achievements
My Updates
Memory walk
Sunday 1st Sep Well we did it. Setting off at 11am and reaching the final destination by 3.10pm. Just over 3.5 hours walking with a short break in between. Overall 22k steps, I've shocked myself tbh, I struggled some days with the 10k but I knew I had to get to that finish line for my Mam 😍.
The night before the memory walk
Saturday 31st Aug The nerves are really kicking in now and I am questioning if I can do this physically and mentally. Its been a rough day coming back after trying to escape the reality of a life without my Mam, who was my everything, she was my biggest cheerleader and I know she would be asking how I was feeling now and telling me I would be fine. I really appreciate everyone's support and encouragement.
Tomorrow is the big day
Saturday 31st Aug 1 more day until we walk along our favourite beaches in memory of our amazing Mam and Nanny. This finishes off our Summer break before next week we try to return to some sort of normal. I am scared and emotional tbh, this is not how I pictured our summer but I will spend every day trying to make her proud. Share
Extra 4 days
Sunday 4th Aug Today marks the final days of my walking challenge for June and it is 2 months since we lost Mam and our lives changed forever.
July round up
Thursday 1st Aug298,004 steps overall in July, that is a huge achievement for me, my steps in the full month of June were only 100,917, almost tripled my usual.
All for you Mammy Dawny ❤️
Share
Day 31
Thursday 1st Aug Technically today marks a month of my walking challenge but I did say I would continue this until 4 August to make up for some days I missed and to take us to the 2 months for my Mam.
Day 30
Wednesday 31st Jul Yesterday was another good day for steps 10.8k. Me and Tommy had a lovely little walk along the river and then playing in the garden followed by a trip to the park with a canny walk. It was 8 weeks yesterday for Mam and Tuesdays is always weird for us but we try to keep ourselves busy. We saw some of Mams friend and then my friend which is always nice.
Day 29
Monday 29th Jul Today I smashed my steps at 11k, some days I push to make the 10k mark but today was there by 6pm.
Day 25 to day 28
Monday 29th Jul Another weekend has came and gone and I've tried to keep as busy as I can but as time goes on the days just feel harder, especially the weekends.On Thursday, I did something special for my Mam and got a tattoo for her from my sister, it was her first tattoo back at work since we lost Mam and it just felt like the right thing to do. I absolutely love it.
The weekend we have spent our time entertaining our little lad, seeing him have fun is the one thing that keeps me going and it kept my mam going too.
Steps have been pretty good the last few days but as I enter the last week of this challenge I'm going to push to get some lovely walks in and try to clear my head
Day 25 - 10.5k
Day 26 - 8k
Day 27 - 10k
Day 28 - 10.3k
Life feels pretty surreal right now, I keep expecting Mam to turn up at every corner I turn. I hope she's with me with every step I take x Share
Day 23 & 24
Thursday 25th Jul Managed to hit over 10k on both days but it hasn't been easy, it's actually feels harder. As Tuesday came around again, tried to keep my little lad busy with a walk in Durham, dinner and soft play. It also marked 7 weeks for Mam, so we went and got some flowers to add to her little area in our garden using the Mam flower mold from her funeral.
Day 20 - 22
Tuesday 23rd Jul It's been a few days since I have posted, spent the weekend trying to keep myself busy doing things we loved, spending time with family and going to the beach. I still kept thinking she should be here, she would have loved this 💔
Day 18 & 19
Saturday 20th Jul The last few days have been a bit of a blur hence the lack of updates. As each day passes life becomes more real without Mam, yet so surreal that how can she actually not be calling me asking me when I am coming over. Its an awful feeling, i am trying to keep myself busier and have managed to hit 11k and 11.5k with the help of phill keeping me going. On Friday we visited the crem where we scattered her ashes and I didn't want to leave, I then read a text about ashes from her where she told me it was just ashes and not them and they would be free from suffering and pain. I'm trying to remember that when I think of my amazing Mam. But the truth is I will always ask why, why so soon. I wish I had the chance to see my mam grow older into her 60s, for her to see Tommy grow into a little boy, after all she gave to him she deserved that so much. The world feels less kind without her it and so much more difficult 💔 Share
Day 17
Thursday 18th Jul I was very close to 10k steps yesterday which is pretty impressive since I didn't get out of bed until mid afternoon. Phill pushed me to get up and ready to walk the dog, then do a bit of shopping and take Tommy to swimming and soft play. It was nice to get out for a few hours, but equally just wanted to get home as everything seems hard atm. Mam has left a huge void in our lives and it feels very lonely without her, everything we do reminds me of her cause she was so involved but I'll keep pushing as much as I can to keep walking.
Day 15 & 16
Wednesday 17th Jul Haven't posted in a few days, but keep on pushing to get those steps in. On Monday, Phill had to take over with the steps, unfortunately but yesterday I was back to over 10k. Managed to push myself to go out with Tommy and friends for a little play date, first time I've had him on my own in a long time. It was so nice to see him smiling and running around enjoying himself. Before we left I got the biggest kiss and he said I love you Mama. What I am realising is its easier when he is here cause I know I need to be strong for him as that what my Mam would want. She pushed through her COPD to have every minute she could with him, she probably had him on her own more than me in reality, cause we were always with friends or Mam while daddy was at work. If she can do that, I can do this for her and him to try help someone in the future! Share
Day 14
Monday 15th Jul So yesterday I managed to hit my 10k steps. Dragged myself out of bed early to do the sea dipped and it really helped me for a few hours. I was standing in the cold choppy sea, yes it was very choppy and to me it just looked how I was feeling inside, even the cold water didn't come close to the pain and shock I feel every morning waking up. It made me realise that I miss our weekends so much, getting up and doing different activities with Tommy. I know I need to get back to that, as hard as it will be, without my Mam. She would want that for her little man. I hope that can get me through. Share
Day 12 & 13
Sunday 14th Jul I am sorry I haven't posted in a few days, truth is the last few days have been awful. For me weekends are always the hardest as I know we would be together doing something or even nothing, it didn't really matter as long as we were together. During the week we used to always say what are we doing this weekend, sometimes Mam used to say anything just to get out. I never understood that till now. Some days I barely want to get out of bed, I really want to push myself but physically I don't have the energy, because my life just feels bare without my Mam in it, thats just the brutally honest true.
Day 11
Friday 12th Jul Yesterday I did just over 12k steps, making up for some of those I didn't quite make the day before. My tshirt arrived from the charity and I wore it with pride, Phill was laughing at me cause I was actually smiling as I walked around and got some donations in, they soon turned to tears especially when I thought I hope she is proud, its weird doing something your proud of and just wanted to tell your Mam, she was always my biggest cheerleader, telling me 'well done you should be so proud'.
Day 10
Thursday 11th Jul Well I couldn't get myself up till 2pm yesterday, it was just a bad day where I struggled without Mam. I managed to get 8k steps from 2pm to 11pm but walking yesterday wasn't even helping. Today I have had to drag myself up to go to my Asthma review, and although I am walking to help my Mam, I myself have had Asthma since I was a young child, and although most days it is well managed, I know myself only too well how awful the feeling is when you are struggling to breathe, when you can't do alot of exercise because it effects your breathing. I think my journey with my walking has shown we can all have good and bad days weather it's with an physical illness, mentally or just motivation. My mam never gave up trying and I will push to do that for her. Share
Day 9
Wednesday 10th Jul So another 10k in the bag today, wasn't so easy with the weather today but still managed to push through for another day. I always find Tuesdays a struggle tbh, I know I would be working from hers while Tommy made Nanny give into his every demand, their bond was so incredibly special. Even while struggling with her COPD, she would have Tommy as much as she could and keep him entertained in the house or playing in the garden, doing crafts, playing games, singing and dancing even when she couldn't keep up with him. He kept her going and she did the same for him too, he wud choose Nanny day care over nursery anyday of the week if he could, that speaks volumes. Today Tommy had his graduation at nursery and all I wanted to do was tell her all about it and say thank you for getting him and us this far instead I'm telling as many people as I can how amazing she is and trying to keep that memory alive.I walk for an amazing Mam and Nanny in the hope that it helps someone else in the future. Share
Day 8
Tuesday 9th Jul Well I was back yesterday with the 10k steps today and it actually felt alot easier, I wasn't pushing for the last few thousand steps. I really enjoyed a late night walk listening to music and watching the beautiful sky, even since Mam I find great comfort in looking up at the sky.
Day 7
Monday 8th Jul So as my back wasn't too great yesterday I tried to take it easier, I still pushed through the pain of my back and a terrible day where the tears just wouldn't stop. I pushed myself cause I know that's exactly what my Mam did every day, she had some days where she couldn't and that's okay sometimes you just need to be easy on yourself and take each day as it comes. Make the most of the good ones and be kind to yourself on the bad ones.
Day 6
Sunday 7th Jul Unfortunately today has not been a great day for steps, 7.5k . It started of well as I was out in Durham and went for a little walk along the river, I really had to push myself to go and I think the only thing that got me there was mams words ringing in my ear, she always used to tell me to get myself out as I never do. As the day went on my back hasn't been great and I know if I push too hard that won't be good as its prone to going off and not been able to walk at all. I will make up the 2.5k steps, that's 4.5k in total, over the month and when my back feels OK, weather I have to extend into August a few days, I will not give up! Share
Day 5
Saturday 6th Jul Well I did it again 10k steps for 4 days in a row despite feeling awful with this cold. Actually surprised myself tbf but it's amazing what you can do when you put your mind to it and when it's the only thing keeping you going even a little. Fridays always feel hard for me, it was mine and Mams day were we would do our usual thing of shopping, which we both hated but its funny how you miss those things even more without them. Today I managed to get around the shops without crying then me and Phill went for a walk and stopped at the local pub, last time I was there was with Mam. We sat at the same table and I could just see her sitting opposite that day stealing my nuts while enjoying a pint. I laughed to myself cause it was the same day we tried to make potatoe skins in my new air fryer which turned out more like crisps despite telling Mam she was cutting them too thin, at least we enjoyed the hallomi. We ended the day with Mam and Tommy's tradition of having a Friday night picnic in bed. Share
Day 4
Friday 5th Jul Yesterday it got to 6pm and I hadn't even hit 3k steps mainly cause I felt truely awful with the worst cold ever and was ferrying my peg leg sister around 🤣 so of course we didn't get many steps in. Somehow at 3 mins to midnight, I have managed to hit 10k, so proud of myself and I know Mam would be too. I walk in her memory to do something postive and hopefully help anyone suffering with a lung condition but also to help myself and try find something I can focus on. I pushed her everyday to be postive and she did that for us, now I'm trying for her. I still don't feel great so hopefully today I can find the energy to push through in-between resting and hopefully feeling better. Share
Day 3
Thursday 4th Jul I have done it again for the 2nd day in the row, 10k. Not sure how I managed it today to be honest, it has been a really tough day, coming back to reality after a few days away. I felt like I had more motivation in the middle of nowhere. Today I've just wanted to lie in bed, but every time it's got too much, I've popped my head phones in, listened to my mams music and took myself for a walk around the block. The truth is, I wish I wasn't having to do this in her memory, I wish I was helping her like I did when she was here, like we helped each other through every single day. Share
Day 2
Wednesday 3rd Jul Yesterday I managed 10.5 k steps, still planning on slowly making up the ones I lost on day 1. Been away in the middle of nowhere, a place that Mam found and we talked about going was just what I needed. It was so peaceful and a place to think about her and it felt easier to push myself so do something in her memory. Share
Day 1
Tuesday 2nd Jul Managed just over 8k steps today on the first day of walking in Mams memory. This may not seem like alot but most days i rarely do a few thousand with sitting all day at work. Today was a struggled, I questioned if I could do it many times, if it was too soon or if it was going to make any sort of difference. I didn't get out of bed until late and decided to use my mams sitting bike, which I thought would give me a good start to my steps, not realising they dont actually count haha! I will try make up for the extra 2k on day 2 with some actual walks as the rain didn't help today. One thing that kept me going was seeing the donations from the funeral and others which made me realised we are nearly half way there on day one, imagine what we can actually do in a month or when we plan the actual charity walk. I then also seen an article online about how people can wait up to 10 years to get diagnosed with COPD or get the accurate treatment. This pushed me to want to do more. One thing that I've struggled with today is the thought of forever without my Mam 💔. But I'm glad I have something to push through the pain and even give me something to focus on for a hour a day. Share
In memory of Dawn Kenny
Monday 1st Jul
Mams funeral collection
Monday 1st Jul Huge thank you to everyone who donated to the cause at my Mams funeral which has now been added to the fundraising page. ShareThank you to my Sponsors
£96
Emma Crathorne
£15
Emma's Donations
Donations for Emma's Auntie and Neighbour
£6.30
Joanne Nightingale
£23.10
Andrea Ballantyne
Your mam will have been looking down knowing how much she was loved and be so proud ❤️
£10.50
Jo
Proud of you❤️
£10.50
Kay France
£27.29
Collection Tin
Money collected along the walk
£30
Dave And Janet
£10
Lisa, Mark Chloe And Ozzy
£5
Lauren Atchison
£5.25
Amy
Amaxing what youre doing Danielle, you can absolutely do this, great cause hope you reach your target! 😊💕 xx
£5.25
Rachel Mccormack
So proud of you Dani, working so hard for a great cause ❤️❤️
£10.50
Susan Crathorne
£10.50
Bethany Lewin
So proud of you Danielle, and I know your mam would be do! X
£10.50
Grant And Amy
Looking forward to doing the walk with you tomorrow your mam would be so proud xx
£23.10
Katy
Good luck Danielle, you will smash it ❤️⭐️ xxx
£5.25
It’s All About Roo
Well done on the amazing steps you’ve been doing and doing such a great job at raising awareness of this awful condition.
£10.50
Gemma Stackhouse
Good luck Danielle, your Mum will be so proud of you xxx
£21
Sammy
We got this!!
£10.50
Helen
Good Luck Danielle! So sorry I can’t make it this time, but I will be at the next fundraiser for sure. A great cause in memory of a great woman ❤️ x
£5.25
Bethany Coad
Good Luck Danielle! I think it’s a great way to keep focused during this hard time for you. Exactly what I did when I lost my mam and started to train for the GNR. Your stronger than you think x
£1.05
Dani
£1 for your favourite memory of Dawny! Wow, It's hard to choose my favourite memory when they are so many. Going to start with one from Tommy who says playing with Nanny and trying to catch hugs off her. Every Tuesday morning he would literally run into her arms like he hadn't seen her for weeks. One day I had to park further up the street and Mam came out to meet us, he literally ran from the car into her arms. It was literally one of the best moments, her face she was buzzing.
£1.05
Phill Sigley
Donk. If you know, you know x
£10
Mary
Well done Danni 👏🏻
£5.25
Kathryn Tracey
Well done on getting through this challenge during such an awful time. Good luck with the rest of the month 🙌🏾 smashing it x
£10.50
Lynne White
£10.50
Emma Crathorne
Keep on going! You are doing fab 🩷
£22
Rachael
Well done Danielle x
£23.10
Maureen Bolam
Good luck. Thinking of you xx
£10.50
Tracy Colman
Good luck Danni 💗
£22
Rachael Whitelock
£5
Claire Mooney
£163.50
Donations Collected From Funeral
£10
Paige Dembry
Good luck! Amazing cause ❤️
£14.70
Dani
For you Mam ❤️ Forever and always
£10.50
Phill Sigley
See you on the beach ;)
Money raised from Dianne Ross Dance Academy 🩷