630 miles for Jude: Cornwall dad's mission to raise awareness of devastating disease

A Cornwall father has embarked on an ambitious 630-mile walking challenge along the South West Coast Path to raise awareness of mitochondrial disease and support families affected by the condition.

Journey for Jude will see Dale Simkiss complete the entire South West Coast Path over 52 stages across 12 months, inspired by his nine-year-old son Jude, who lives with mitochondrial disease.

The challenge began on Saturday, October 17, with the first 12-mile leg from Portreath to Hayle. Walkers gathered at Portreath Harbour before setting off at 7.30am and finishing at Gilbert's in Hayle, where Jude and his family welcomed participants at the finish line.

The fundraiser is supporting The Lily Foundation, a charity dedicated to fighting mitochondrial disease and funding research into potential treatments and cures.

Explaining what inspired him to take on the challenge, Dale said his motivation was simple.

He said: "My inspiration is my son Jude.

"When Jude was diagnosed, the prognosis wasn't good. We were told he might not reach adulthood and, in the worst-case scenario, he might only live for one or two years. Jude turned nine last week, so every birthday is incredibly special.

"As the years go by, I feel I have to do more, shout louder and make people pay attention. Jude can't walk or talk and there is currently no cure for mitochondrial disease. Raising awareness is one of the few things I can do.

"I've done challenges before, including running 100 marathons in 100 days, but this is the next thing."

Dale completed the first stage on Jude's birthday weekend, joined by supporters including friends and members of the local community.

The challenge also has strong links to Redruth United FC, a club that has become a major supporter of Jude, his family and The Lily Foundation.

Dale said: "The community spirit has been amazing. Redruth United have done so much for our family.

"They've really taken Jude under their wing. Every player wears the Lily Foundation kit, and the club is constantly supporting charity events and fundraising. My sons, Rocco and Riley, both play for the club.

"The people at the club have just fallen in love with Jude and I'll always be grateful for what they've done for us."

For Dale, the challenge is about far more than covering miles. He hopes it will spark conversations about a condition that many people have never heard of.

He said: "On the first walk we had a flag and everyone was wearing Lily Foundation shirts. People were stopping and asking what the charity was about.

"That's exactly what we want. The more awareness we can raise, the better. If we can build momentum over the coming months and get more people joining us along the route, that would be amazing."

Dale is encouraging people from across Cornwall and beyond to join individual stages of the walk, support participants along the route or come along to the finish points.

"The more the merrier," he said. "People can walk as much or as little as they want. It's about bringing people together for Jude and raising awareness."

The family also hopes the challenge will support the work of The Lily Foundation, which continues to fund research into mitochondrial disease and provide support for affected families.

Everyone is welcome to take part in future stages of Journey for Jude, support walkers along the route, or join the celebrations at the finish points as Dale continues his year-long trek around the South West Coast Path.

To donate, visit: www.justgiving.com/page/teamjude-swcp

To find out more about The Lily Foundation, visit: https://www.thelilyfoundation.org.uk/ 

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