https://fundraise.dementiauk.org/fundraisers/InLovingMemoryofOurGrandparents

In loving memory of our grandparents

Hi there,

We are Zairah and Zoha.  We will be participating with the Walk 31 Miles in May 2026 challenge to support Dementia UK - a cause deeply close to our hearts. Every step is in honour of our grandparents.

By supporting our challenge, you will be help provide a lifeline to families living with dementia. A donation of just £10 could cover the cost of two calls to Dementia UK’s Helpline, giving people access to expert, compassionate support from specialist dementia nurses.

If you’d like to sponsor us, please visit our page 

Thank you so much for your support.

Best wishes,

Zairah and Zoha 

⸻

There are some people in life who shape you so deeply that, even after they’re gone, their presence never truly leaves. For us, those people are our grandparents.

They were the heart of our family - full of warmth, wisdom, and laughter, with a love that made everything feel safe and steady. They taught us how to care, how to show up for one another, and how to cherish the smallest moments.

But over time, dementia slowly began to take that away - from them, and from us.

Watching someone you love fade in this way is incredibly hard to put into words. 

Dementia doesn’t just affect the memory; it changes personalities, relationships, and the way someone experiences the world. Moments of recognition became rare and precious. Conversations grew difficult. And gradually, the roles are reversed. Those who once cared for us became the ones who needed our care.

This did not only affect them; it affected our whole family. It brought heartbreak, confusion, and a deep sense of loss long before we had to say goodbye. Even now, after they’ve both passed, that impact remains.

Alongside the pain, there is so much love.

That love is what’s driving me (Zoha) and my cousin Zairah to take on this 31-mile challenge in their honour. This is more than just a physical challenge - it’s something deeply personal. Every step we take is for them: for the memories we hold onto, the moments we wish we could relive, and for all the families walking a similar path right now.

I (Zairah) have been thinking about all the years of being inspired by my beautiful grandparents. Through their love, devotion and keeping our family together, I have tried to shape up to be half the woman that I am today because of them. It is their loving, caring and supportive nature that made them so special. I wanted to join this cause that Zoha initiated because it is so deeply personal to us. It is something to give back to the community in honour of our beloved Grandparents. 

We’re doing this not only to remember our beautiful grandparents, who meant everything to us, but also to raise awareness and funds for those affected by dementia. Because no one should feel alone in this.

Dementia can be incredibly isolating - not just for those living with it, but for their loved ones too. If sharing our story and taking on this challenge helps even one person feel seen, supported, or understood, it will mean everything to us.

We’re hoping to raise funds to support research, care, and vital resources for individuals and families facing dementia. Real change starts with awareness, compassion, and collective effort - and every contribution, no matter how small, truly makes a difference.

As we begin this journey, we carry our grandparents with us in every step. Their love, their strength, and the memories they gave us will always be part of who we are.

If you’re able to support us - by donating or simply sharing this message - we would be so grateful. And if you or someone you love is going through something similar, please know you are not alone.

Please remember Raja Mohammad Aziz and Nasim Akhtar in your duas. 

This is for them. Always. xx