On 16th October, I’ll be zip wiring across Twickenham Stadium to raise money for Crossroads Care Richmond and Kingston — a charity that has helped myself and my wife, Marianne, through some of the hardest years of our lives.

Marianne has been living with young onset dementia since her late fifties, and for the past eight years, Crossroads Care has been supporting us with such kindness and professionalism.

Crossroads gives me something invaluable: the chance to step outside my caring role for a few hours and simply be myself again. Every Thursday, Marianne spends time with her Crossroads Care Support Worker, Juliana, who always arrives smiling and full of positivity.

I attend the charity's Men Who Care group where I’ve met other carers who understand exactly what this journey feels like. We share experiences, support one another, and somehow still find space to have a good laugh together. The camaraderie is wonderful.

As a family, we are incredibly grateful for everything Crossroads has done for us. Indeed in October 2024, our son Harry completed the California Ironman for Crossroads. Now it’s my turn.

By zip wiring across Twickenham Stadium, I hope to raise money so that Crossroads can continue supporting carers and families like ours — people facing the daily realities of dementia, exhaustion, isolation and loss, but still trying to find moments of joy.

If you’re able to donate, no matter how small the amount, it would mean the world to us. Thank you so much.