Sarah McPhie

A warm hello

Before Christmas, our family received the heartbreaking news that Ross’s Uncle Kenny had passed away. On that same day, two of our close friends shared their own devastating losses — both of their mums had died from the same cruel disease. It was a stark and painful reminder of how deeply and widely dementia touches so many lives.

Ross and his brother Gregor have been legal guardians for Kenny and his wife Wilma for some time, as both were living with advanced dementia. Dementia is not an illness that affects just one person; it weaves itself through entire families and friendship circles. It brings ongoing grief, exhaustion, and difficult decisions, often over many years, and the emotional toll on loved ones and carers is immense.

Because of this, in January I am pledging to walk 50 miles for Dementia UK. For some, this might sound manageable, but for me it is a significant challenge. I am a mum to three school-aged children with very full lives — rugby, football, horse riding, swimming, and Beavers, Cubs, and Scouts — alongside working more than full time as CEO of Stockton Citizens Advice and volunteering as a governor at two primary schools. My bucket is well and truly full.

If you are able to spare a couple of pounds to support this cause, I would be incredibly grateful. Every donation means so much and helps support families facing the realities of dementia. Thank you for taking the time to read and for any support you can offer.