Big Walk stories: Why I'm getting involved

Vincenzo Silvestri

Senior Room Bookings Officer, University of Sheffield

In my previous career as a support worker, I saw the full impact of dementia and Parkinson's disease on people I cared for.

Often, people who'd once happily trusted and confided in me would slowly start to see me as a stranger. All those hours we'd spent cooking, laughing, and having daily chats gradually faded into confusion and worry for them. It's a deeply painful process, especially for the patients and families.

This is my first Big Walk, and I'm really excited. I'll be walking with a friend and colleague, while also flying the flag of our LGBT+ Staff Network, which I've co-chaired since 2023. I'm looking forward to connecting with people, being part of a communal push to the finish, and raising awareness for my own community while supporting this vital research.

Seeing how many others have signed up, and how hard everyone's working for the cause, is inspirational - a feeling I've not quite experienced before, and all more special to me that it's happening here in Sheffield. Even more so since we're surrounded by all that stunning nature in the Peaks!

Alison Grasmeder

Deputy Director for ITE and Geography PGDE Tutor, University of Sheffield

I taught Gemma Middleton in secondary school - we stayed in touch, and years later she shared her diagnosis of MND with me. It was heartbreaking when she died.

Doing the Big Walk in 2024 meant I was able to connect with her parents, and share some of my many fond memories of Gemma with them. Her life touched so many others, and it’s lovely to see her living on through the research taking place at Sheffield. It is vital that we do what we can to support this incredible work. 

This will be my third Big Walk. It's such a friendly and well-organised event, and I love chatting to lots of different people along the route. Taking part this year will be a huge personal challenge - in August 2024 I nearly died from sepsis, and was in intensive care. I'm still recovering, but making good progress.

My daughter Rachel completed her MSc in Translational Neuroscience at SITraN, and seeing her educational experience there gave me a whole new perspective on the vital work they do. The brain is an amazing organ, and the more we can learn about it, the more we can improve quality of life for patients in the future.

Supporting neuroscience research at Sheffield will have a huge impact on people and families all around the world. 

Oli Johnson

Academic Skills Adviser, University of Sheffield

It's been eye-opening for me over the past few years to see the journey that my sister-in-law has been on, from first experiencing MS symptoms to getting a diagnosis and treatment.

It's gone from being a confusing, upsetting and debilitating set of mysterious health issues, to being something she's able to manage and keep on top of. Although not perfect, her treatment has allowed her to adapt and get on with life as a mum, teacher, netball player, and pillar of her local community.

Being part of a large-scale community fundraising effort is exciting; I love spending time in the Peak District, so I'm really looking forward to walking that beautiful route! It's also challenging, as I'll need to think up some innovative ways to encourage people to donate to the cause. Supporting the Big Walk is special though - it's great to feel part of a dedicated and motivated Sheffield fundraising community. 

It's also an opportunity to make a real difference. Whether you're walking or donating, you're directly funding new and improved treatments for MS and other life-changing neurological illnesses, which has a genuine impact on quality of life for countless patients and families.

Stuart Hall

Student Recruitment & Marketing Officer, University of Sheffield

Parkinson's disease affects everyone differently. In my grandfather's case, it was a very slow decline of his motor functions.

His symptoms gradually progressed from trembling hands to difficulty walking, and eventually not being able to look after himself at home. At that point, he needed constant support from my close family and additional carers.

Neurological illness can take so much from you, both physically and mentally, and it was very difficult to watch him go from being super active - gardening, boating on the River Trent, being the 'go to' person for fixing basically anything - to being a shell of that person.

This will be my second Big Walk, and it's brilliant - finishing my first one in 2024 was a real 'hairs up on the back of the neck' moment that I'll never forget. It even made hobbling around The Wave in my Crocs for a fortnight afterwards worthwhile!

Developing new therapies will transform lives, slowing the progress of devastating illnesses and giving patients more control over how they live. Making the world a better place is at the core of what we do here at Sheffield, and I'm really proud to be making a difference alongside so many other colleagues and supporters.

Alexander Fletcher

Regional Partnerships Development Officer, University of Sheffield

My best mate’s mum has MS. Over the course of many years, I’ve seen the progression of the disease and its impact on the family (although make no mistake, she’s still living at home with as sharp a wit as you can get).

This will be my first Big Walk. As a keen cyclist I’ve pedalled all around the region we'll be walking through, so I’m excited to explore some of those areas on foot. Both routes are indeed big, with some challenging terrain, so it won’t be an easy day out. Let’s hope the notoriously unpredictable Peaks weather is on our side!

Sharing the miles with colleagues will be a great team effort, and it will be brilliant to meet new people along the way with their own connections to the area - and to the causes we’ll be supporting.

I’ve previously raised funds for MS, and as with many diseases, funding for regional care is split across the nation. It’s fantastic that Sheffield is working to fight neurological disease and its many complex implications, so please empty your wallets and purses!