Debs

Final Week – Nearly There!

It’s the final week of my 62 Miles in May challenge for Dementia UK — and somehow, I’m almost there! It’s been a tortoise-speed shuffle, complete with a few pit-stops in coffee shops, but I’ve kept moving.

I’ve now walked over 50 miles, and while I’ll be taking it easy over the weekend, I’m determined to finish next week. One careful mile at a time.

Ironically, most of next week’s walking will be on my way to see a spinal consultant — which feels very on brand, to be honest. This challenge has been a mix of effort, stubbornness and more caffeine than I’m used to. But I’m still going.

It’s been a slow but steady reminder that movement — no matter how small or broken up — really does add up. Walk to an appointment. Sit down. Walk a bit more. Uber. 😂 It’s not impressive, but it’s honest. And it’s made me really appreciate the act of just showing up — even when you’re not in the mood. It’s something to look back on and know you did what you could, and that each time made a tiny bit of difference that added up to something.

I think that might be something all my caregiving friends have in common — all those small, loving, often invisible things done again and again, with patience and care.

Along the way, I’ve been snapping bits of colour that caught my eye — the little things you notice when you’re moving slowly. A new bit of graffiti layered over the old. A ghost sign advertising a long-forgotten brand. A glimpse of blue sky above the avenues of London plane trees. It’s funny how much beauty is hiding in plain sight.

Thank you again to everyone who’s followed along, offered encouragement, or shared a kind word. I’ll be back with one more post when I (slowly, stubbornly) cross the finish line.

On y va — nearly there! 

🎉 Over £500 raised! And still walking!

I’m nearly a third of the way through my 62 Miles in May for Dementia UK challenge – and thanks to you lovely lot, I’ve raised £536 so far! 🧡

That could fund:
🔸 16 hours of life-changing advice from a dementia specialist nurse
🔸 Or 134 helpline calls for families in crisis
🔸 Or a day of clinical supervision so nurses can keep delivering expert support

This is support that genuinely changes lives – and I’m so, so grateful for every donation. Thank you.

Walking every day isn’t easy – especially with limited mobility – but I’ve found that walking as part of something else really helps. Trips to collect packages, medical appointments, anywhere I get to walk-sit-walk-sit, they are adding up more than I thought! And now the sun’s out again, so here we go - Week 2 🌞

Day 1 ✅

62 Miles in May: Why I’m Doing This (and What It Means to Me)

Today marks the start of my month-long challenge: walking 62 miles in May to raise funds for Dementia UK. At first glance it might sound straightforward, but for someone with limited mobility and stuff, it might seem foolhardy. You’ve probably got a point! Admittedly, Day 1 ended with me collapsing into a café for a strong coffee and hailing a cab home 😂

So why put myself through this? Because dementia doesn’t clock off at weekends and carers don’t either. I’ve watched friends travel miles on their days off and weekends not just to be a companion but to make sure medications are taken, appointments aren’t missed and meals are prepared. Some do all of that while working full-time jobs and raising children. These small acts—topping up a pillbox, sharing a familiar photograph, simply being present—are true labours of love.

Every step I take in the coming weeks is for those quiet heroes. Even a modest £8 donation can fund two calls to Dementia UK’s Helpline, connecting families with an Admiral Nurse’s expert advice. A gift of £33 could pay for an hour of one-to-one support—practical solutions and emotional guidance that can transform a family’s toughest day. That’s why each and every stride, no matter how slow or shaky, matters.

I’m under no illusions, I might not finish this challenge or do so unscathed —but that isn’t the point. What matters is showing up. It’s about solidarity with people whose own support networks sometimes buckle under the strain. It’s about saying, “I see you. You’re not alone.”

If you’d like to cheer me on, share my page or chip in, you’ll find the link below. I hope we can help give families facing dementia the support they  need—and turn my creaky footsteps into something useful!

Merci, on y va! 🧡

Walk 62 Miles in May

This May, I’m setting myself the challenge to walk 62 miles in support of my many friends & fam whose lives are affected by dementia.

If you’ve seen me at any point in the last ten years, you’ll know that my mobility isn’t great – so in all honesty, I might not make it – but I can’t think of a more motivating reason to try.

To my friends supporting loved ones with dementia – I see you - they are so very lucky to have you. No one should face dementia alone.

By supporting this challenge, we’ll help raise vital funds for Dementia UK, so more families can access the free, life-changing support of their specialist Admiral Nurses.

Thank you so much.