kerry hardman

Let me start by saying this: I am not what you’d call “outdoorsy.” I don’t own hiking boots. My idea of cardio is fast-walking to the fridge during ad breaks. And yet, here I am, willingly signing up to walk 26 miles in one day. That’s basically a marathon – just slower and with more blisters.

So why am I doing this?

Because dementia is cruel. It steals memories, independence, and the essence of the people we love. It’s cruel, relentless, and affects millions of families. Watching someone you care about slip away while still physically present is heartbreaking. That’s why I’ve decided to swap my sofa for exercise and to do something – anything – to help.

Even if it means… exercise.

Now, I won’t lie to you – this walk will be a challenge. Not because I’m scaling mountains or crossing deserts, but because my fitness level is somewhere between “sloth on a Sunday” and “potato.” My legs are already drafting a resignation letter, and I haven’t even started training yet.

But I’m doing this because I can. Because I still have my memory and my strength (questionable), and the ability to put one foot in front of the other.

So here’s where you come in.

I’m asking you to sponsor me. Not because I need encouragement (okay, I do), but because every pound raised goes toward supporting those living with dementia and funding research to one day beat it for good. You get to feel good AND laugh at my future sore feet – it’s a win-win.

Whether you give £1 or £100, every bit counts. And if I hit my fundraising goal, I promise to post photos of my heroic (read: sweaty) journey, complete with ridiculous motivational quotes and at least one awkward blister selfie.

So please, dig deep, donate generously, and help me take on this 26-mile madness. I’ll do the walking – you just sit back, relax, and sponsor someone else doing something sensible like a bake sale.

Thanks for your support. Let’s walk all over dementia together.