Pirates

Walk 50 Miles in January 2026

Challenge Completed!!

We did it! We’ve officially finished our walking challenge, clocking in at just shy of 140 miles. We celebrated our "last hurrah" with a muddy walk around Leybourne Lakes with the youngest member of the family and we even got some blue skies to see us across the finish line! ☀️

​We are so proud to have smashed our targets, but more importantly, we are overwhelmed by your generosity. Because of your support, Dementia UK can provide life-changing care to families who need it most.

​Thank you all for the donations, the cheers, and for being part of this journey. We couldn't have done it without you! 💙

Toby walks

Day 28 - 130 miles between us and so very nearly there!

Another busy week is behind us, and we are thrilled to share that we’ve now covered over 130 miles.

​This week had a very special highlight—we had our new "nephew," Toby the dog, join us for some of the journey! Between dodging the rain clouds and keeping up with Toby’s energy, the miles flew by.

​Smashing Our Goals

​With only a few days left to go, we are incredibly proud to say we have officially smashed both of our targets. Whether it was the distance or the fundraising goal, the momentum has been unstoppable.

​Pure Gratitude

​We feel both humbled and thrilled to be doing this for Dementia UK. The generosity you’ve shown is staggering, and knowing how much this will help families in need has been the ultimate motivation.

​Thank you for sticking with us—let’s see what we can achieve in these final few days!

Day 18: ​Over 90 Miles under our belts and a great big THANK YOU to all our supporters

Another week is in the books, and together we’ve covered over 90 miles.

​It wasn't always easy; we faced several wet and windy walks that made the warmth of home very tempting. However, our purpose kept us moving. Knowing we are supporting Dementia UK provided all the motivation we needed to persevere through the rain.

​A Well-Earned Reward

​The weekend finally rewarded our efforts with a burst of sunshine. We headed to our local Community Woodland Park for a stunning walk, surrounded by nature and some of the happiest dogs! It was the perfect way to recharge after a challenging week.

​Your Support Matters

​We are truly humbled by the incredible support we’ve received. The amount you have raised is overwhelming and will make a real difference through the work of Dementia UK. Thank you for being part of this journey with us.

11 days

11-Day Progress Update: 60 Miles Walked for Dementia UK

Posted by Matt:
11 days in, and we have already walked 60 miles between us.
So far, I have walked 34 miles and Emma has walked 26 miles, which feels like a huge milestone as we continue towards our 50-mile challenge.
January has not made this easy. We have been walking through freezing, bracing conditions brought on by Storm Goretti, with the kind of cold that seeps into your bones and makes every step feel harder. To add to the fun, our car also chose this month to break down, which turns out to be a surprisingly good motivator when walking to places is not really a choice.
On top of that, Emma has been battling a cold bug, making getting out and walking even tougher. Despite all of this, we have both kept showing up and putting the miles in.
Some days have been slower and harder than others, but every mile reminds us why we are doing this. Dementia affects so many families, and knowing the vital support Dementia UK provides makes the cold starts, tired legs, and determination feel worthwhile.
Thank you to everyone who has supported and encouraged us so far. It genuinely keeps us going. We will keep pushing forward, one cold January mile at a time.

Day 3: Seven Miles and a Heart Full of Thanks

We’ve hit Day 3, and I am so excited to share that we’ve already reached the 7-mile mark! To say today was "brisk" would be an understatement—it was a truly icy one out there. But honestly? The frost made everything look absolutely beautiful, and having such a meaningful purpose behind every step kept us moving when the temperatures dropped.

​Why We’re Walking: The Power of Admiral Nurses

​Every mile we cover is helping to fund Dementia UK and their incredible Admiral Nurses. If you aren't familiar with their work, Admiral Nurses are essentially a lifeline for families facing dementia.

​They provide the specialist, one-to-one support that families often struggle to find elsewhere. Here is just a bit of what they do:

  • Expert Advice: They offer clinical guidance to help families manage complex symptoms and transitions in care.

  • Emotional Support: They give carers the mental and emotional tools they need to cope with the "bad days" and stay strong for their loved ones.
  • Keeping Families Connected: They provide communication techniques to help families stay connected to the person they love, even as the condition progresses.

​Essentially, they make sure that no one has to face dementia alone.

​Feeling the Love

​More than the miles, what’s really sticking with me today is the sheer amount of support we’ve received. To be honest, I’m feeling a little overwhelmed (in the best way possible!).

  • Grateful for every message of encouragement.
  • Beyond thankful for the donations and cheers from the sidelines.
  • Truly blessed to be on this journey with all of you behind us.

​Thank you for being part of this mission. It’s the fuel in our tank as we head into Day 4!

We're walking 50 Miles in January for Dementia UK

This January, Emma and Matt are each walking 50 miles to raise vital funds for Dementia UK. This challenge is deeply personal for both of us.

Last year, we said a heartbreaking goodbye to Matt’s Nanny Olive. Shortly after, Emma’s mum (and Matt’s mother-in-law), Glenis, received her own dementia diagnosis.

Walking has always been Glenis’s greatest passion and her source of peace. Every mile we clock is a tribute to her enduring spirit and in loving memory of Nanny Olive.

Please sponsor our walk to help Dementia UK’s Admiral Nurses provide a lifeline for families like ours. Your support means the world to us.

Thank you to our Sponsors

£400

Paul Byers

£100

Sylvia, Sandra, And Co.

£60

Avery Mob

Well done guys, you’re both amazing!

£50

Emily Deacon

Keep up the exceptional work! xxxx

£50

Adam Soilleux

Great cause, my wife’s grandad had dementia before sadly passing in 2020 and my 96 year-old Nan has recently moved to a care home with dementia. Good luck for the challenge, Matt and Emma!

£50

Helena Baser

£50

Carol And Jack Wright

£34

Antonia Henderson-lee

£33

May Hau

Mr and Mrs Smith Well done you too! Love May xx

£33

Tracey Molyneaux

£33

Sarah Jennings

£33

Dan Avery

£30

Steve, Julie & Courtney

£30

Rachel, Pete, Josh & Leila Xxx

Good luck guys and a very worthy charity xxx

£25

Daniel Hill

£20

Zoe

Amazing! Well done!

£20

Annie Brumsen

£20

Alice

Love this! I know you will smash this. Enjoy the walks.

£20

Emily Chaddock

Well done you two - with love, Emily xx

£20

Mike And Sharon

£20

Alex Ayley

Good luck

£19

Anonymous

£15

Scott Thompson

Good luck Matt!

£15

Jon G

£15

Henna Mahay

Such an important cause and one close to my heart. Wishing you both the very best with the walk 🤍

£15

Maryam Siwji

£15

Jordan Hunnable

Good luck to you both!

£10

Rebecca Clunes

£10

Amy Pridham

Walk Matt walk!! LOL

£10

Tania Ahsan

£10

Beci Hickmott

Good luck on your walks! Love to you all xx

£10

Anonymous

£5

Peter Ridley

£5

Anonymous

£2

Chloe Byrne