Here’s the thing.

I received a fundraising message from my best friend, saying that she is going to do a 13 mile hike near the Stonehenge and raise money for the Alzheimer's Society. Her mother had died five years ago and she and her sister are going to honour her by raising funds for this terrible disease that is Alzheimer, that took their mum away, way before she actually died.

I was about to donate, when she suddenly said:

"Why don’t you join us in the fundraising and hike with us?"

I thought long and hard about it. I also have people in my family who had dementia, my grandmother on my dad’s side and my mother in law (both have also passed away already).

But why pay for a flight, arrange accommodation, transport, have a jetlag twice (!) etcetera etcetera if I could just donate that amount instead?!

Because I know everyone of YOU (breaking the 4th wall here) know someone within your own family or circle of friends that are affected by this alienating disease, and you don’t have the time to take part in this charity hike, so I count on you to donate some money instead.

I really hope you can find an amount that you are comfortable with to donate. Please click the Give Now button, and if you want to do a bit extra, please also share with your friends and family!

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On 2 May, we are taking on the Trek26 Stonehenge challenge, walking through incredible countryside and ancient landscapes, finishing near the world-famous Stonehenge. Every step will be a step toward support and vital research for everyone affected by dementia.

Judith, Sabine and I have in common that we live abroad which makes our experience with our loved ones 'at home' different than if we were living close, every time we visited the Netherlands the effect of Alzheimer's/dementia were very visible as we couldn't compare to the day before.

We’ve chosen to walk under the name Fairy Slippers, after a rare and delicate orchid. The naturalist John Muir once described encountering this beautiful flower, the Fairy Slipper, as one of the most memorable moments of his life. He wrote that he had “never before seen a plant so full of life; so perfectly spiritual,” and reflected on how wonderful it was that “something so frail and lovely had such power over the human heart”.

Alzheimer’s Society supports people living with dementia today - through practical advice, emotional support and vital research - while working towards a future where Alzheimer’s can be prevented, treated and ultimately cured.

Every donation, no matter the size, helps fund care, guidance and hope for families facing this disease right now. If you’re able to support our walk, thank you. 💙

Mascha (Judith & Sabine)

Below pictures of my mother in law Julienne, Judith & Sabine's mum Coby and my grandma Dirkje.