Blenheim Palace to host ex-fireman's 100km walk for Rett Syndrome

Now he has set himself a new target – completing a 100km, 20-hour, non-stop charity walk around Blenheim Park at Woodstock.

His aim is to raise as much money as he can for research into Rett Syndrome, a genetic disorder which affects mainly girls. His great niece, one-year-old Grace Elliott, has been diagnosed with the condition.

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His wife Shelly and Grace's parents, Rachel and George, who live in East Yorkshire, will accompany him on part of the walk. They will be joined by others along the way.

Blenheim Palace has given the go-ahead for the walk to start at 8pm on Saturday, June 5. It is likely to end at about 4pm the following day.

Mr Dunn, who lives in Kidlington, said: "There is little I can do apart from trying to raise awareness of the condition and to raise funds.

Former firefighter Mick Dunn, of Kidlington, prepares for a non-stop, 100km walk around the grounds of Blenheim Palace on June 5, 2021, to raise funds and awareness for Rett Syndrome, which his one-year-old niece Grace has. Picture: John Chipperfield

"I would like people to get involved by researching Rett Syndrome, going on their own walk or making a donation.

"I am dedicated to this challenge and will see it through. Please help Grace and Rett UK by supporting me."

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Other fundraising events are being held in Lincolnshire where Grace's grandparents and other members of Mr Dunn's family live.

Rett Syndrome is a rare disorder that affects brain development, often resulting in severe mental and physical disability.

It is said to affect about one in 12,000 girls born every year, but is rarely seen in boys.

Grace, the one-year-old niece of Kidlington ex-firefighter Mick Dunn, who is planning a charity walk in her honour at Blenheim Palace on June 5, 2021. Picture supplied by family

Symptoms include difficulty with feeding, jerky limb movements and speech and mobility problems.

The Blenheim walk is the latest in a series of events Mr Dunn has organised for a variety of charities, raising between £30,000 and £40,000.

His most ambitious and most successful was leading a group up Mount Snowdon and for non-climbers, arranging a 24-hour treadmill walk, which netted a total of £20,000.

He said: "It is not only about raising money but raising awareness of the charities."

Blenheim Palace's Samantha Vaughan said: "We’re delighted to be hosting Grace’s Day and are wishing Mick well on what will, I am sure, be an incredibly tough challenge.

The Grand Bridge at Blenheim Palace. Picture: Blenheim

“Although it is relatively rare, Rett syndrome has a devastating effect on the lives of young girls and the money Mick is raising, alongside the awareness he is bringing into this genetic disorder will really help."

Mr Dunn grew up in Northumberland and moved south when he joined the Army.

He served with the Royal Pioneer Corps, first at Northampton and later at Bicester. His Army service saw him in action in Northern Ireland and in the Gulf War.

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He started his fire service career at Rewley Road station in Oxford before moving to Kidlington for 23 years.

His last official duty as a firefighter before retirement was to lay a wreath on behalf of the county fire and rescue service on the war memorial outside St Mary's Church, Kidlington, during Remembrance weekend last November.

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