REBECCA HAYDEN-SKINNER

We're walking 31 Miles in May for Dementia UK

This May, we’re each walking 31 miles — one mile a day — to raise money for Dementia UK, so that no family has to face dementia alone.

Our dad and mum’s husband, Bob, died in January after living with early‑onset Alzheimer’s for over a decade. He was diagnosed young, and like so many families, we quickly discovered that after the diagnosis you’re largely left to figure things out on your own. There’s no clear pathway, no structured support, nothing like what you might expect with other long‑term illnesses. You have to search, push, and fight for every bit of help — both as the person living with dementia and as the carer trying to hold everything together.

For us, charities became the lifeline. Without them, the loneliness of that journey would have been even harder. We were lucky that Mum found local support groups like Mindsong and Scrubditch Care Farm, which gave both Mum and Dad community, purpose, and moments of joy when everything else felt like it was shrinking. We’re also fundraising separately for those charities if people would prefer to support them:  

https://www.givewheel.com/fundraising/12462/in-loving-memory-of-bob-skinner/

Dad was incredibly active — he loved sport of every kind — and walking became a huge part of his and Mum’s life, especially during Lockdown. They walked every day joined by our cat, and as a family we’ve spent years walking, cycling and running around the Cotswolds. Dad would carry my brother and me on his shoulders until we were far too old. Now we’ll carry him with us as we walk. It feels like the right way to honour him.

Walking a mile a day might not sound like much. But when you’re grieving, some days even putting one foot in front of the other can feel heavy. This challenge gives us something to focus on — a way to keep moving forward positively. It’s as much about mental health and healing as it is about fundraising.

We’re doing this for Dad, but also for every family who is where we were ten years ago: scared, overwhelmed, and unsure where to turn.

Dementia UK provides Admiral Nurses, specialist dementia nurses who support families through the emotional, practical, and medical challenges of dementia. They are the people you wish you had from day one. Your donation, big or small, genuinely makes a difference — £33 could fund an hour of support from an Admiral Nurse, helping a family navigate distressed behaviour, crisis moments, or simply the heartbreak of watching someone you love change.

If you’re able to donate, thank you. If not, sharing our page or simply reading our story means a lot.

We miss Dad every day. This walk is for him — and for every family who shouldn’t have to face dementia alone.

Thank you,  

Liz, Beccie and Nick, James and Jess xxxxx