Family Takes on Dad’s Leeds Abbey Dash Legacy After Dementia Diagnosis

Keith Walker, Clare Sharkey’s Dad, took part in every Leeds Abbey Dash between 1986 and 2022, missing the event only due to covid.

Now, Keith has passed the baton onto his family. His daughter, Clare Sharkey, takes part alongside other family members to continue his tradition of running the Leeds Abbey Dash, after he had to step down following his dementia diagnosis a few years ago.

“Until 2022 I had never run for fun, let alone a 10k,” says Clare. “He’s always run, he’s always biked, he always did the Great Yorkshire Bike Ride with his friends. He did the Ilkley triathlon," she said. “He regularly did every 10k going.”

Clare will be taking part in the Leeds Abbey Dash on Sunday 30th November to raise money for Ilkley and District Good Neighbours dementia cafe, where her father has gone once a fortnight since he was diagnosed, and has received support to throughout.

The Leeds Abbey Dash has now become a family tradition, with Clare’s cousins joining in to support the cause and continue Keith’s legacy.

“The Abbey Dash is something that’s really known in our family. Every year Dad would say 'Right come on, let’s have your sponsorship money',” Clare said.

“One of my cousins, Kelly, even went on to do the Leeds Half Marathon this year and my other cousin, Nina, has done two Leeds Marathons – both cheered on by Uncle Keith and raising money to fundraise for the Ilkley and District Good Neighbours who provide a lifeline to people living with dementia.”

The first time Clare ran the Leeds Abbey Dash, with her Dad Keith, it was something she found really difficult. But the encouragement and support from the people of Leeds was what got her through.

“I cried all the way around - it was so emotional – and it is every time we do it in his place."

Mrs Sharkey will be part of a team of seven family members taking part again this year, with Mr Walker hopefully waiting for them at the finish line if it’s not too chilly!