Maria Clarkson

Each mile is love, even when she cant remember mine .

I used to think love was loud — spoken, shared, returned.

But dementia has taught me something different.

My mum Maggi can no longer speak. She sleeps more than she wakes. Sometimes she stares at a place I can’t follow, like she’s already halfway between here and somewhere else. And while she may not remember me anymore, I remember her in perfect detail.

I remember her brushing my hair back when I was small.

Calling my name from the bottom of the stairs.

Her hugs — warm enough to fix a bad day before it even became tears.

This January, I will walk 50 miles for Dementia UK — step by step, mile by mile, tracked through the movement of my everyday life.

I walk because she can’t.

I walk for families navigating the fog of this disease.

For carers who feel unseen and exhausted.

For the love that quietly breaks you, but still keeps you going.

Dementia UK’s Admiral Nurses hold those families up. They are the voice when words disappear, the compass when everything feels like mist. If my 50 miles can raise even a little awareness or support, then every cold morning will be worth it.

Because mum deserved the world when she remembered it.

And she still deserves dignity, love, and care now that she doesn’t.

If you have someone touched by dementia — I see you.

I walk for you too.

50 miles.

One mum.

A daughter’s promise.

Please sponsor me with any small amount you can. 

Thank you and lots of love 

María x x