There are so many worthwhile causes in this world that I would love to focus upon. However, instead of spreading myself thinly amongst several, each year I will focus on just one cause. This will enable me to commit to making a real difference.

This year my focus will be Dementia.

Dementia is the biggest health and social care crisis facing society today. Someone develops the condition every three minutes and too many are facing it alone. 

Did you know that there are 850,000 people living with dementia in the UK who have been struggling to pay the catastrophic costs of their care. That's because, unlike other diseases, people with dementia don't get free care on the NHS.

Because public understanding of dementia is so poor, people with dementia often feel – and are – misunderstood, marginalised and isolated and that means that they’re less likely to be able to live independently in their own communities.

Through my 26 mile hike, I am hoping to not only raise funds to help support those struggling to pay the costs of care, but also raise awareness of dementia so that, over time, we can create a dementia friendly society.

Starting just a stone’s throw from Hadrian’s Wall, I will trek a challenging figure-of-eight for 26 miles, both alongside the ancient Wall and through the surrounding area.  The full marathon-distance walk should take approx 8-10 hours for fit and strong walkers. It can take up to 12 hours. This epic trek will begin on Sunday 27th August :)

This is an extremely tough one-day event over hilly landscapes; and at 26 miles, it forms an enormous challenge for walkers. 

Anything you can donate towards this event will be incredibly appreciated. No donation is too small.

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

-------------------------------------UPDATE POST EVENT--------------------------------------

31-08-2017: I did it!! I walked Hadrian's Wall for the incredibly worthy Alzheimer's Society. Well - 20 miles of it. I unfortunately did not manage the entire 26 miles, however, Paul and I did not stop until we were broken and the night was threatening to surround us. We walked the hardest terrain of the wall, but it was truly the most beautiful. We walked from Lanercost Priory to Once Brewed (via a selection of accidental diversions :))

That said; the last mile was the longest mile I had ever walked. With a burst blister on one foot and a strained knee on the other, I was literally reduced to my knees. But it was worth every minute - I would recommend this adventure to anyone, maybe just in smaller chunks over a few days :)

Pictures and a wonderful blog to follow, but I just want to thank those who donated from the bottom of my heart; I actually exceeded my target of £333 and managed to raise a proud £363.69.

If you haven't donated yet to the Alzheimer's Society and would still like to support this cause, please hit donate and help us to build an awareness about Alzheimer's.

THANK YOU !!!!!