I'm walking 50 Miles in January for Dementia UK
This January, I’m taking on a personal challenge: walking 50 miles in one month to raise money for Dementia UK.
Dementia affects so many families, often in ways we don’t see day to day. Dementia UK provides specialist dementia nurses, called Admiral Nurses, who support families through some of the most difficult moments of their lives. Their work makes a real, practical difference—and that’s why I wanted to do something to help.
Fifty miles may not sound huge, but in January it means cold mornings, dark evenings, and staying motivated when it would be much easier to stay indoors! Every mile I walk is a reminder of why I’m doing this and who I’m doing it for.
If you’re sponsoring me, please know how grateful I am. Your support isn’t just encouraging me to keep going—it’s helping fund vital care, advice, and support for people living with dementia and their families across the UK.
Thank you for being part of this journey with me. Every step really does count.
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My Updates
Day Seven: When the Miles Don’t Go to Plan
Wednesday 7th Jan Day seven of my 50-mile challenge felt like a return to normality after the Christmas break. My daughter was back at nursery, routines were kicking in again, and for the first time in what felt like forever, the day ahead felt mine.As we drove to nursery, I noticed the roads were clear and the footpaths looked fine from the car. The air had that crisp, fresh winter feel to it, and I had high expectations. Today was going to be my first proper walk — just me, the cold air, and my thoughts. No rushing, no distractions.
After dropping my car back home, I laced up and headed out, aiming for our local park. That optimism didn’t last long. The short walk from my house quickly became a lesson in caution. Every few steps, the paths turned to pure ice. The kind that looks harmless until you’re sliding without warning.
Still, I pushed on toward the park, hoping it would improve. It didn’t. Even the grass — my usual safe option — was slippery in places. My heart wanted to keep walking, to push forward and make up miles, but my head knew better. One bad fall could put an end to this challenge entirely.
So I compromised.
I slowed right down and managed three careful laps of the park, concentrating on every step, every patch of ground beneath my feet. It wasn’t the walk I had imagined, and it certainly wasn’t the distance I’d planned, but it was something.
Eventually, I turned back toward home, moving cautiously and accepting defeat for the day.
And yes — it felt like defeat.
But reflecting on it later, maybe it wasn’t. The challenge isn’t just about miles; it’s about showing up, adapting, and listening to your body when conditions aren’t right. Some days you push forward. Other days, you know when to turn back.
Day six didn’t go to plan — but I still showed up. And tomorrow, I’ll lace up again. - 1.23 miles
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Day Six: Cold Mornings and Winter Magic
Tuesday 6th Jan Day six of my 50-mile walking challenge began with a very cold start to the morning. The temperature sat at a frosty -6°C, though surprisingly it didn’t feel quite as bitter as expected. That didn’t stop the usual internal debate when it came to wrapping up warm — or the added challenge of pushing the pushchair once again.Before we set off properly, my daughter decided she wanted to visit our local stay and play group for babies and children aged 0–5. So, bundled up and braced for the cold, we headed out the door and made our way there. The pushchair wasn’t exactly thrilled with the icy paths, but we powered through. A short stop at the playgroup gave us a much-needed chance to warm up, recharge, and enjoy a little indoor comfort before continuing our walk.
Once we were back outside, there was only one obvious next stop — feeding the ducks, of course. Despite the freezing temperatures, the world around us felt quietly magical. The snow was still settled across the village, glistening under the sunlight, twinkling as it reflected the light. It was one of those moments where everything feels calm, peaceful, and almost storybook-like.
As we walked on, I noticed several village snowmen still standing strong. They had clearly seen better days — a few missing coal eyes here, a button or two gone there — but they remained proudly upright, refusing to let the sunshine steal their moment. There was something quite charming about them, as if they were determined to enjoy every last second of winter.
Day six reminded me that this challenge isn’t just about miles covered or steps counted. It’s about making memories, embracing the season, and finding beauty in even the coldest of mornings. Even with frozen fingers and a stubborn pushchair, today felt special — one of those walks that stays with you long after your feet have warmed up.
1.92 miles
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Day Five: Snow, Slush, and a Pushchair Adventure
Monday 5th JanDay five of my walking challenge did not come with ideal weather conditions. The temperature sat at a bitter –3°C, and the ground was a delightful mix of snow, slush, and ice. But a challenge is a challenge, so out we went.
This walk came with an extra level of difficulty — my 4-year-old daughter joined me in the pushchair. So not only was I navigating slippery paths and icy patches, I was also pushing a pushchair and entertaining a very enthusiastic little passenger who seemed entirely unfazed by the cold.
Naturally, the walk took a little longer than planned. Between careful steps, icy corners, and spontaneous stops, progress wasn’t fast — but it was steady. In the end, we clocked 1.71 miles, and that’s another chunk checked off the overall target. I’ll take that as a win.
The weather did its best to test us with snowy showers and bitter winds, but morale stayed high — especially when my daughter decided throwing snowballs at me was the perfect way to pass the time. I can confirm she found this far more entertaining than I did.
We finished our adventure at the duck pond, where we stopped to feed the ducks, say hello, and enjoy a brief moment of calm before carrying on our way. Cold fingers, rosy cheeks, tired legs — but another day completed.
Day five reminded me that progress doesn’t have to be perfect or fast. Sometimes it’s slow, cold, a little chaotic… and still absolutely worth it.
On to day six. 💪✨
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Day Four: Walking on Ice and Waking Cities
Sunday 4th JanI was working again today, so I decided to repeat the same walk as yesterday — a route that’s quickly becoming a small but meaningful part of this journey.
The air was sharp and cold, the kind that clears your head the moment you step outside. Snow wasn’t the enemy today; instead, it was ice. The paths had turned into an ice rink, forcing me to slow down, stay alert, and really think about every step. It wasn’t fast or graceful, but it was steady — and sometimes that’s exactly what a challenge like this requires.
The River Wensum was calm and quiet, almost untouched by the morning. The snow held off, giving the landscape a moment of pause, as if it too was catching its breath. In contrast, the area around Norwich City’s football ground was beginning to wake up. The distant sounds of movement and preparation hinted at the energy that would soon fill the space.
Despite the cold and the slippery ground, there was something grounding about the walk. It reminded me that progress doesn’t always look dramatic. Some days it’s about navigating obstacles carefully, adapting to conditions, and simply showing up — one careful step at a time.
Four days in, and the miles are adding up.
0.88miles
Onward.
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Day Three: Snow, Swans and Motivation
Saturday 3rd Jan Day three of my 50-mile walking challenge didn’t quite go to plan — or so I thought.Whilst I was at work, I looked outside to see the dreaded sight of snow. My first reaction? Absolutely not. There was no way I was voluntarily heading out into that cold, slippery chaos. I very nearly talked myself out of it.
But then, almost as if it knew I needed a sign, the sun broke through the clouds for about an hour. Just enough time. Just enough encouragement. So I layered up and headed out.
I walked alongside the River Wensum, where the world felt quieter, calmer, and almost magical. Snowmen dotted the path, their twig arms raised in greeting, each one a small reminder of simple joy. At one point, I realised I wasn’t walking alone — three beautiful white swans followed closely beside me, gliding effortlessly along the river. It felt like a moment I was meant to notice.
With every step, there was the crunch of snow beneath my feet, a sound so crisp it grounded me completely in the present. Droplets fell softly from the trees as the snow began to melt, catching the light as they landed. It was cold, yes — but it was also peaceful, reflective, and unexpectedly uplifting.
This walk reminded me why I’m doing this challenge in the first place. Dementia doesn’t pause for bad weather, busy days, or moments when motivation dips. And neither can we. Some days will be uncomfortable. Some days will feel harder than others. But every mile matters.
Day three taught me that even when conditions aren’t perfect, showing up still counts. Sometimes, the hardest step is the one out the door — and sometimes, that step leads you to swans, snowfall, and a renewed sense of purpose.
0.81miles
On to day four 💙
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Day Two: When the Cold Bites Back
Friday 2nd JanDay two of my 50-mile challenge nearly broke me before it even began.
If I thought yesterday was cold, today quickly proved me wrong. The kind of cold that seeps through layers, stings your face, and makes you question every life choice that led you outside. At one point, I genuinely thought I might get caught in a snowstorm. The sky hung heavy and grey, the air sharp and unforgiving, and every step felt like a small act of defiance.
This wasn’t just a physical challenge — it was mental. My body warmed up eventually, but my mind kept whispering excuses: Turn back. Do it later. Surely this doesn’t count. But the whole point of this challenge is to show up, especially when conditions aren’t perfect. Especially when they’re uncomfortable.
There’s something humbling about pushing forward in weather like that. You slow down. You pay attention. You become very aware of how fragile motivation can be — and how powerful commitment is when you lean into it. No music could distract from the wind. No pace could make it feel easy. It was just me, the cold, and the miles.
And yet… I finished.
Cold, tired, slightly frozen — but proud.
Day two reminded me that progress doesn’t always look pretty. Some days it’s about grit over grace, persistence over pace. These are the miles that won’t show up as impressive stats, but they’re the ones that build resilience.
On to day three — hopefully with fewer snow clouds and a bit more feeling in my fingers - 2.60 miles
Day One - Freezing, Walking, and Not Turning Back
Thursday 1st Jan01/01/2026 – Happy New Year to all.
Day one of my 50-mile challenge, and oh my… what a cold walk it was.
There’s something poetic about starting a new challenge on the first day of the year. The calendar is clean, motivation is high, and the promises we’ve made to ourselves feel fresh and achievable. Today, though, the weather didn’t care about any of that. The cold cut straight through gloves and layers, the kind that stings your face and makes you question your life choices within the first few minutes.
But step by step, I kept going.
The roads were quiet, the air sharp, and my breath hung in front of me like proof that I was really doing this. Fifty miles doesn’t happen all at once—it starts with one cold walk, one decision not to turn back early, one small win. Today wasn’t about distance or pace; it was about showing up.
As uncomfortable as it was, there was something grounding about being out there. A reminder that progress isn’t always comfortable and that the hardest part is often just starting. If day one is anything to go by, this challenge will test me in ways I didn’t expect—but that’s exactly the point.
Here’s to embracing the cold, trusting the process, and taking this challenge one mile at a time. Day one: done - 2.27miles
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Thank you to my Sponsors
£50
Paula & Kev Gowing
£20
Elaine Livingstone
A cause close to my heart,my mum had Alzheimer's 😞good luck and hope you get past your target! X
£20
Lindsay & Andy
£20
Anna Smith
£20
Anonymous
You can smash this!
£19
Matthew Fulcher
Good work Mrs M!
£10
Tracey Vargerson
£10
Mary Shreeve
£5
Nicola Crotch
Good luck! Xx
£5
Good luck Helen 😊